The Love of Counsel

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.
Proverbs 27:9 NLT

I find it interesting that in this proverb, a friend's counsel is compared to perfume and incense, scents used to soothe one's soul. Well, more than one soul, for sure. Do you know that in the US alone the scented candle industry is valued at over 3 billion dollars? Yes, BILLION...

We love freshening our homes and offices with scents that are pleasing to our olfactory senses. We use them for aroma therapy and stress reduction. There is just something so comforting about the combined light and fragrance that invites you to come in, sit down and relax...

In the same way, when you're in need of a true friend's counsel, there is nothing sweeter or more loving. Trusted counsel is comforting in its ability to keep us safe, to help break down the walls of stress we build, to keep our hearts from hardening. That's what love does.

Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You for faithful friends - those You've entrusted to us and us in return to them. Thank You for those with arms that hug us close, hands that reach out in support, and for those whose hearts beat in time with our own to lend strength for those days that need help. Thank You, Father, for these friends You've so lovingly given us as Your heart and hands extended. Bless them, Father, richly and often. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen