There are so many wonderful
blessings that come from having friends. There is the comfort one receives when
he faces times of difficulty. One should never forget the companionship that is
offered, even when things are fine. The wounds which friends give are among the
most needed. One may be asking at this point, “Wounds? What do you mean wounds?”
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but
the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Proverbs
27:6). That may have made things more confusing. Friends give wounds but
enemies give kisses? This should be the other way around, right? Wrong.
Some may be able to recall a
moment when he or she “sought advice” from a friend. The problem is that he or
she really wasn’t seeking advice but, as Bill Cosby put it, wanted to hear the
same idea but in a different voice. Instead, that friend said that which “hurt.”
It wasn’t the same idea repeated back but was a warning against doing that. It
was almost like being rebuked. No one likes being rebuked and so the advice is
ignored. Later, when things do not go as planned that one realizes his friend
had been right the whole time. Yes, those words stung. They were not what he or
she wanted to hear. They were what that one needed to hear. A true friend will not spare the truth just
to make someone happy. He is “faithful” to “wound” but does so because he ultimately
cares about your soul.
What about the last part of the
verse? The “friend” who says what is wanted instead of what is needed is
considered to be an enemy. That person will keep a man comfortable in his sins
and be nothing more than a “yes man.” He was say what is wanted over what is
needed. While those words are as delicate as a kiss, Solomon stated they are
given by an enemy. Why? That person is hindering your spiritual growth and ultimately
your eternal salvation.
Which would you rather have?
Would you rather have a friend who is willing to tell you the truth, even when
it hurts? Would you rather have one by name only whose actions do not
biblically match the name? Remember, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but
the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6).
