The Treasure of True Friendship (Sirach 6:5-17)

 

Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
May the peace and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!

We continue our meditation on the book of Sirach. Today, we focus on friendship as an essential form of human relationship. In our modern society, friendships often seem shallow, loyalty is scarce, and many people experience profound loneliness despite being surrounded by crowds. Isn’t this a paradox?  Today’s text invites us to rediscover the foundations of authentic friendship, rooted in wisdom, faithfulness, and the fear of the Lord..

The Beauty and Challenge of Friendship

Sirach begins by reminding us that a gentle tongue will multiply friends (Sir 6:5). How true this is! Words have power. A kind word can open doors, build bridges, and heal wounds, while a harsh tongue can destroy relationships in an instant. Today, more than ever, we must be mindful of how we speak to one another, whether in our families, our workplaces, or our communities. A heart filled with love and wisdom speaks words that build up, not tear down. We can recall here the words of St Paul: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen…” Ephesian 4:29-32.

However, Sirach also warns us that not everyone who calls themselves a friend is truly a friend. We live in a time when friendship is sometimes (if not often) based on convenience. Many people draw close when things are going well but disappear in times of trial. Sirach warns: “A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter; he who finds one finds a treasure" (Sir 6:14). Some don’t really value genuine friends until they loose them.

True Friendship: A Rare and Precious Gift

The wisdom of Sirach teaches us that true friendship is not something superficial; it is a deep bond built on trust, loyalty, and shared values. A real friend is someone who stands by us in the storms of life. Such a friend:

• Loves at all times, not just when it is easy.
• Speaks truth with kindness, even when it is difficult to hear.
• Lifts us up spiritually, helping us walk in righteousness.
• Remains steadfast, not abandoning us in moments of weakness or suffering.

How many of us can say we have such friends? More importantly, how many of us can say we are such a friend to others? This passage invites us to reflect not only on the friendships we receive but also on the friendships we offer.

The Key to Lasting Friendships: The Fear of the Lord

Sirach 6:16-17 offers a powerful insight: "A faithful friend is an elixir of life; and those who fear the Lord will find him. Whoever fears the Lord directs his friendship aright, for as he is, so is his neighbor also."

Here lies the secret to true and lasting friendships: the fear of the Lord. What does this mean? It means living in reverence for God, seeking His wisdom, and walking in righteousness. When we put God at the center of our lives, He blesses us with friendships that reflect His love. The most enduring relationships are those built on faith, where both friends encourage each other to grow in holiness.

This wisdom is desperately needed in our world today. Many relationships break down because they are built on temporary interests rather than on the foundation of God’s truth. If we want to experience true friendship, we must first be faithful to God, for He Himself is the truest friend of all.

Jesus, Our Perfect Friend

As we reflect on this passage, we cannot help but see its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect example of a faithful friend, one who loves unconditionally, speaks truth in love, and never abandons us. He told His disciples: "I no longer call you servants, but friends" (John 15:15). He proved His friendship by laying down His life for us, showing us that true friendship is sacrificial love. Truly loving like Jesus makes us vulnerable. 

If we want to be true friends to others, let us learn from Jesus. Let us be people of integrity, love, and faithfulness. Let us choose our friends wisely, invest in relationships that glorify God, and above all, let us strive to be the kind of friend that leads others to Christ.

Dear brothers and sisters, I would like to end this meditation with a few questions. Are our friendships built on trust and godly wisdom? Do we cultivate relationships that bring us closer to Christ? Are we faithful friends to those whom God has placed in our lives?

Let us take this message to heart and ask the Lord to guide us in forming deep, lasting, and Christ-centered friendships. May we always remember that in Jesus, we have a friend who will never fail us, never leave us, and always walk beside us.

Let us pray:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of friendship. Help us to be wise in choosing friends who bring us closer to You. Make us faithful, loving, and kind in our relationships, following the example of Jesus, our true friend. Fill our hearts with Your love, so that we may be a source of encouragement and strength to others. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.”

May the Lord bless you and keep you always in His love. Amen!🙏🙏🙏