Proverbs 18:1 ESV
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.

There are different kind of friendships:

• Casual Friends
• Close Friends
• Core Friends

Proverbs 12:26 NLT

The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

The People You Should Not Choose As A Friend

Proverbs 18:24 NLT

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

#1) People who like to argue

Proverbs 20:3 NLT

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.

#2) People who gossip

Proverbs 20:19 NLT

A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don’t hang around with chatterers.

Gossip is sharing information when you are neither part of the problem nor part of the solution.

#3) People who flatter others

Proverbs 29:5 NLT

To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.

Psalm 62:4 NLT

They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They praise me to my face

but curse me in their hearts.

Psalm 109:5 NLT

They repay evil for good, and hatred for my love.

Flattery is false praise; Insincere compliments; appeal to ego.

#4) People who can’t control their temper

Proverbs 22:24-25 NLT

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

#5) People who steal or shoplift

Proverbs 1:13-15 NLT

Think of the great things we’ll get! We’ll fill our houses with all the stuff we take. Come, throw in your lot with us; we’ll all share the loot.” My child, don’t go along with them! Stay far away from their paths.

#6) People who can’t empathize with your victories

Romans 12:15 ESV

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

#7) Believers who live like unbelievers

1 Corinthians 5:9-11 NLT

When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.

Never expect unbelievers to act like believers until they are.

The People You Should Choose As Core

#1) Choose friends who encourage me spiritually

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Encouragement =

 — the action of giving someone support, confidence or hope.

 — to fill the heart                                            

#2) Choose friends who consistently support me emotionally

Proverbs 17:17 NLT

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

#3) Choose friends who challenge me to think

Proverbs 13:20 NLT

Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

Proverbs 27:17 NLT

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

CONCLUSION

How Does God Choose His Friends?

What builds trust with God?

1) Unconditional obedience — always doing what is asked

2) Absolute integrity — always keeping your word

3) Unwavering priority — always putting His desires first

4) Knowing His heart — always choosing God’s will when making decisions

• We need friends. We need community.