Articles
Amnon Had A Friend
Amnon had a friend
2Sam. 13
Friends can be one of our greatest assets, but they can also be a worst enemy!
Amnon was love-sick for his 1/2 sister, Tamar. Desiring her was not the problem, but fulfilling such desires outside of God's laws on marriage was.
Enter the 'friend'. He is my friend. He is my cousin. He is a shrewd man. Surely his advice is right. Besides, following his advice will produce my desires.
First, such 'friends' are NOT our friend. Anyone and everyone who would lead us away from God and into sin is not a friend. Proverbs warns against such 'friends' (Prov. 1:10f). Evil companions such as Jonadab corrupt good morals and lead into sin and condemnation.
Unfortunately, friends often take our side concerning plans and desires. Instead of being helpful in sorting out, they simply encourage us in our selfish and destructive pathway. They should assess the situation according to what is right and wrong, and not just from the basis of liking us. It would be better to be rebuked by a true friend than be encouraged in wrongdoing. If WE are people of integrity, they do not become our enemy by telling us the truth!
Are your friends like Nathan (2Sam. 12) or Jonadab (2Sam. 13)? Hugh DeLong
