Relationships
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint (Proverbs 25: 19).
«NOT adhering to promise, obligations. or allegiances; disloyal» is the first dictionary definition of the word “unfaithful.» The second one is «not justly representing or reflecting the facts; inaccurate.» In other Bible translations, «unfaithful» is translated as «treacherous» (CEB), «liar» (ERV) or «unreliable» (ISV). The Bible verse is very descriptive: we do not have to place our trust in a liar or an unreliable person, especially in times of trouble. The consequences are also explicit: trusting this tv e of person is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot (NLT).
What does it mean to have a bad tooth (or rotten, as other versions indicate)? The immediate symptom is pain. It can also cause abscesses, gum diseases, chewing and nutrition problems and tooth loss. We also know that, if there is an untreated abscess, the infection can spread to other organs and can even be life-threatening for the patient.
What about a foot out of joint or a dislocation? It can also cause severe and sharp pain. which becomes unbearable when someone tries to use the foot normally. This issue can also cause swelling, bruises, difficulty in walking or carrying weight, and can make wearing shoes impossible.
Both metaphors us a clear vision of how wrong it is to trust a deceitful person. His selfish nature disqualifies him from providing help and comfort in times of distress.
«Today’s verse warns us of the consequences of associating with bad friends. To verify whether you have good friends, observe if they are willing to listen to you, if they spend time with you, if they offer to help you, if they give you advice and if this work. But if your friends are clearly selfish and use you for their own interests, or if they only share gossip and rumors with you, chances are these friendships do not benefit you. The Bible sets specific guidelines in this regard: good friends are fair and guide you (Prov. 12: 16), they love you at all times, not only when it suits them (Prov. 17:17); they are not violent, nor furious (Prov. 22:24); they treat you the same way they would like to be treated (Luke 6:31); they do not lie, nor use unpleasant words (Eph. 4:25, 29); they are compassionate and know how to forgive (Eph. 4:32); they are kind, humble, gentle, patient, and understanding of others’ faults Col. 3:12, 13).
Ask God today for the wisdom to choose people ‘„who offer you true friendship.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Junior 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores:Ricardo Vela & Emmanuel Tapia
