9Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Have you ever been working on a project and just needed another hand to make it easier? I do house projects, construction projects, like building custom decks. Sometimes I need to be able to hold both ends of a long board. And I have found that just holding the board is not enough; I need to nail it as well! The writer of this passage has come to realize the importance of friends. We all need some close friends, I mean NEED friends. Without friends, life really lacks meaning. People who squirrel away by themselves, separated from people, miss out on the best parts of life. We read every week about some old person who dies alone, unnoticed, undetected. Families have scattered and fragmented. Busyness has replaced genuine caring and connection. In the Army we have “battle buddies,” team members who stick together no matter what. On and off duty, they protect each other, sometimes from themselves. They are responsible for the conduct of their partner. We all need some close friendships. How strong are your friendships? Do you have them?
The Arnold Journey 