The Wounds of a Friend

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).