When Haman’s pride is hurt, he turns to his friends for comfort and advice. Instead of being honest or dissuading Haman from his foolish notions, they flatter and endorse his behavior. For example, his wife has the idea to build the gigantic pole meant for Mordecai, where Haman instead ends up meeting his fate. Later, these same “friends” end up turning their backs to Haman, telling him that he is doomed to an awful fate. In his high position, Haman was likely surrounded by a large number of advisors and counsels. Yet not one of them was truthful with him or gave him wise advice. Haman did not have genuine friendships and relationships in his life. If he had friends who gave him good advice, his life might have gone in a completely different direction. Haman was surrounded by people who only told him “Yes,” and that led in part to his downfall.

We have all probably had friends who agree with us out of loyalty, even when we are in the wrong. We are likely tempted to do the same for our friends. I have often called up a friend to vent to them, expecting them to always be on my side. Friends can be our safe places and the first people we are likely to run to when our pride is hurt, or we had some type of conflict occur. While we may think that friendship requires us to stand by our friend’s side through everything, the Bible warns us against this type of friendship. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” True friends call us out and hold us accountable. Love is central to friendship and this love is found in honesty and accountability. We are called to both have and be loyal and honest friends.

• Final Thought: Pray to God to help you seek and find honest friends and wise counselors in your life, as well as to be a true friend to others.