Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”
I had my heart set on it.
It was a beautiful truck that had been magnificently restored, and I wanted it. Sure, it would cost money that I didn’t have, storage would be a problem (I was in college at the time), and it would be worthless in the winter. But, I was young, excited, and determined.
Wanting to share this excitement, I brought the above picture of myself and the truck to a friend of mine, gave him the details, and asked: “So, what do you think?”
There was a slight pause…and then he looked me square in the eyes and said:
“Do you want me to tell you the truth, or do you want me to tell you what you want to hear?”
That’s a good friend.
That’s a friend who sees the big picture, who has your best interests at heart, and who isn’t afraid to shoot straight with you.
When you’re on the precipice of a big decision, you need a friend like that.
Unfortunately, friends like these don’t grow on trees. But gentlemen, you need to find them. I don’t care if you’re single or married, 20 or 80.
You NEED them.
Friends come in all forms…fat and skinny, short and tall, old and young, wise and…well…
You get the point. There are some friends where the depth of the friendship is no more profound than the conversations you have with your dentist every six months. These friendships, while important, are probably not the best ones to consult when the Big Deals of Life occur.
I don’t think it’s possible to over-emphasize the need for men to have good, strong, male friends who will speak truth into their lives. Guys who will give you thoughtful, wise counsel. Guys who aren’t afraid to tell you to knock it off when you’re thinking about doing something that could ultimately hurt you, your family, or those around you. They care more about YOU than hurting your feelings…or your friendship with them.
The best friends are not “yes men”
Do everything you possibly can to find these wise friends. Surround yourself with them. Know that at some point, they will let you down; they’re human, after all, just like you.
On the flip side, there are guys out there who are really, earnestly looking for an “iron sharpener”. Some of them may already be friends with you. The next time they ask you a tough question, consider responding with:
“Do you want me to tell you the truth, or do you want me to tell you what you want to hear?”
I didn’t buy the truck.
