Today’s Scripture Threshings for Monday, February 25, 2019
Today’s Text: Proverbs 27:1-10
Key Verse: ”Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (vs. 6)
“Beware the ides of March” is a popular expression, first found in 1601 Shakespeare's Julius Caesar — in which a soothsayer cautioned Caesar to watch his allies who were nothing but death traps to him. Unfortunately, rather than yield this warning, Caesar, in the company of some of those enemies called friends scorned his unknown friend; and fell in the ides of March. We are not to live suspecting our friends and all the people around us; but those we call friends do matter to God. He wants us to know that the devil still clothe himself like an angel of light.
A story was told of a old cynic who went about in broad daylight with a lighted lantern. Whenever they asked him why he did so, or what he wanted; he’d tell them he’s in search for "a friend." He didn’t lose a friend; but believed that no man is a friend except he is true. Of a truth, a correct friend is difficult to find. We literally live daily in want of genuine brotherly or brother-like friends. Unfortunately, when we see them, we scorn them, because they assume rough garbs. They are too tough on us. They tell us the truth that do not caress our vanity and futility. We prefer those insincere allies who clothe themselves in stolen dress of love. We prefer their flattery to the sincere rebuke of our faithful friends.
The wise son of Lamuel brings a charge to cherish our sincere friends before us this morning. He wants us to know that a single truth-speaking friend who inflicts pain when he tells us truth is better than a thousand hypocrites who make us feel good by deceptive counsels. Faithful are the wounds of a friendly reproofs; which are often severe, but sincere, which though are from a spirit of love, faithfulness, and integrity, may grieve and wound, and cause pain and uneasiness for the present; but are designed for our good. They’re better than the deceitful kisses of an enemy which flow from secret jealousy, deceit, and bitter envy — friends like Ahab, Joab and Judas. We need to remember that Satan‘s dress before Christ in the wilderness was not a tempter costume. He came dressed like a friend who cared about his hunger. He came “Judasly” as it were with kisses of a friend. Our friends may openly rebuke us, but that’s better than those who secretly hated us. Beware of friends who compliment you in sin. They seek to hurt your soul.
Friendship is a blessing from God. It brings numerous benefits to our lives — from increasing our sense of belonging and purpose, to boosting our happiness and reducing stress. True friends improve our self-confidence and self-worth. They help us cope with traumas and other unforeseen circumstances of life. A Harvard medical research team concluded that great friendships help promote brain health in people. Jonathan was such a friend to David. Don’t let any friendship thrive which isn’t healthy. You don’t need a lighted lantern to know them. Any friend who compliments you in wrongdoings is a foe.
Quote for the Day: “A good friend is not only the man who approves what you mean to do, but one who reproves or disapproves what you do amiss.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear LORD, help me to become sensitive to my world and to cherish those blessed relationships which you have surrounded me with. Give me a sense of spiritual awareness and alertness that differentiates good from evil, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.
With all my Love and Prayer,
Simon Wale Olatunji, PhD
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop),
2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144,
Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA
Email: reachingout@hopeforallnations.org
BBMme: E3F988D2
[Today’s Scripture Threshings is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA. Feel free to use it in your family altar and personal quiet times; and to contact us for further enquiry, help and partnership.]
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