A Faithful Person Who Can Find?

5 Though good advice lies deep within the heart, a person with understanding will draw it out.
6 Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?
7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
8 When a king sits in judgment, he weighs all the evidence, distinguishing the bad from the good.
9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?
10 False weights and unequal measures— the Lord detests double standards of every kind.
11 Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure, and whether it is right.

An old Scottish folk song croons, “I will love thee ’til all the seas run dry.” Sadly though, there’s a song by Robert Burns, an old-time bard of Scotland, in which he sings, “Wantonness has been my ruin,” lamenting that he has been led astray by lust, his life is a shambles because of promiscuous relationships, and he can’t break free.

The situation today is no different: many popular songs are about broken relationships and broken hearts, tales of deep sorrow and woe.

In light of all this, let’s think about the importance of faithfulness and unfailing love in all our relationships. Those characteristics—flowing from the character of God—are much more important than outward beauty or handsome features. “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). The same is true, of course, for a God-fearing man. And Peter notes that beauty comes from within—“the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit”; he also encourages respect and consideration for all (1 Peter 3:4-7).

Are you looking for a boyfriend or a girlfriend? Don’t just look at outward appearances. Think about what’s really important. Look for someone who loves the Lord. Here’s the key to joyful, lasting, fulfilling human relationships: God’s love, steady as a rock, in our hearts.

Lord God, thank you for your love and faithfulness and how you protect us each day. May we show your love in all our interactions with others. In Jesus, Amen.