Wealth maketh many friends; but the poor is separated from his neighbour. (Proverbs 19:4)
It’s easy to have friends when you have money. People flock to those who can give them financial benefits. On the other hand, poverty can be isolating.
When I started out in ministry, the Lord told me to leave my job and go to Bible school 1,000 miles away. It was a Bible school few had heard of that wasn’t even accredited. It made no sense in the natural. However, I wasn’t alone. I was already married. The question was, would she go with me and stand by me? She believed in the call of God on my life, and she did. Real friends stick by you no matter what the circumstances are.
When you go through struggles, it will reveal who is really on your side and who is simply there for the benefits.
For us, we went through some low points for sure as we began as students in a new town with little money. As poor as we were, we needed to trust God with everything we had. The good news is God always provided. He always made a way. I have been poor, and I have been wealthy and wealthy is better. But make sure you do not mistake those who are friends of your blessings and not friends of who God called you to be.
Practical Application
Real wealth is found in gratitude and the godly relationships that you enjoy. Take time this week to thank the friends who have stuck by you and believed more in your purpose than your benefits.