Proverbs 14:8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For this is the one to whom I will pay attention: to him who is humble and has a penitent heart, and to him who reveres My word (Isaiah 66:2). It is said that there are three forms of friendship. The first and highest is founded on virtue, for only that love rooted in reason endures over time. The second, which exists between the first and the third type, stems from shared understanding. Such a friendship promotes mutual benefit and proves quite advantageous in life. The friendship born of voluntary communication is reciprocal. The third and final type can be characterized as one that develops out of routine. Others, however, suggest it is a friendship that fluctuates based on enjoyment.

The wise individual recognizes that their own well-being necessitates certain behaviors, leading to the flourishing of their household; conversely, the wicked person is deceived by an illusion of joy and ultimately constructs their own downfall.