Only Trust in Reliable People – Prov 25:19
Proverbs 25:19 says “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Just as walking with a lame foot or eating with a broken tooth cause great pain, so relying upon unfaithful people will cause great pain as well. Wise people know who they can and can’t rely upon, and each of us should desire to be someone that others can rely upon.
Job found out how difficult unreliable friends are. His friends came to ‘comfort’ him but instead caused him more grief (see Job 6:14-20). Others in the Bible were disappointed as well when the trusted in the wrong people (2 Chron 28:20-21, Isa 30:1-3; 36:6). Even Paul had no friends who stood with him the first time he went on trial (2 Timothy 4:16).
So, the lessons for us are:
- First and foremost rely upon the Lord. Isaiah 28:16 says “Therefore thus saith the Lord God,Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone,A tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation:He that believeth shall not make haste.” The Lord Jesus Christ is the only foundation that will never let us down. He is the tried and precious stone upon which we can build our lives.
- By God’s grace, seek to be a faithful person. We need God to help us to be a faithful friend and brother who is a joy to those who rely upon us. This is only possible through the transforming work of the gospel, because on our own we are not able.
- Commit your life to faithful people. Use wisdom in who you trust. Seek to give trust and expect trustworthiness in everyone, but only do so in small doses at a time. As a person proves himself, then you trust them with more. 2 Timothy 2:2 tells us to ‘commit to faithful men’ – those who can be relied upon.
- Thank God for those in your life that you can trust. If God has give you faithful friends, you are very blessed and should thank the Lord for those who stand by you.