Scripture Reading: Proverbs 25: 19
“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.” (Proverbs 25:19)
What is more painful than to try to chew with a tooth that is badly broken? The heat and the cold striking the nerve is so painful that you would rather go hungry than to try to eat.
Or what is more impossible to do than to try to walk when your foot is out of joint? You cannot put the weight of your body on it. Both are useless and both are painful.
This is the same thing with an unfaithful friend. Both are useless and painful. When you try to put your trust in them in your time of need, you will only suffer for it. If you cannot get your tooth fixed, you will have to pull it out; and if you cannot get your foot set in place again, you will be a cripple the rest of your life, walking on crutches. You cannot put your weight on that foot.
Neither can you put your trust and confidence in an unfaithful person. If you try to, it will be a very painful experience for you. You will surely regret it. An unfaithful person cannot change his character just because you love him or even because he may love you. He may love you very much, but still there is a streak of corruption in his character that makes him unfaithful, even to those whom he loves.
You can love him, but do not put your confidence and trust in him. Treat him like a bad tooth or a foot that you cannot put your weight upon.
Dishonesty comes from deep inside the core of the being of a man. It does not come from the outside and grow inwards. Therefore, be careful in your dealings with such a person! Remember, just because they seem pleasant and trustworthy on the outside doesn’t mean they are pure in the heart. A broken tooth is usually an indication of decay in the center. This is true of the unfaithful person — there is rottenness in his soul. Do not let all his fine manners and pleasant ways deceive you. If you confide in him, you will regret it.
Gems of Wisdom by Gwen Shaw
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