Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Today’s Text: Proverbs 27:1-10
Key Verse: Proverbs 27:6 (ESV): “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
You have probably heard of the “Ides of March.” It was an idiom used in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar," as a warning given to Caesar to beware of false allies on the ides (15th) of March, day in which he was eventually assassinated. While Shakespeare put those warning in the mouth of a soothsayer, the import of this warning has actually been preceded by a clear scriptural caution to humanity—an important scripture word to all believers who, like Caesar, walk each day in the company of enemies called friends. Of which, it’s so easy to scorn the words, wisdom, and warning from unknown friend(s). While this charge is not meant for us to live suspecting our friends or people around us; but we must constantly be on guard because some devils clothe themselves like angels of light; and their kisses are deceitful.
A cynic once went about in broad daylight with a lighted lantern. And whenever he was asked why; he’d say that he’s in search for "a friend." Of a truth, true friends are difficult to find. And, unfortunately, when we see them, we scorn them because real friends probably wear rough garbs. They are too tough on/for us. They tell us the truth that do not caress our vanity and futility. Therefore, we prefer those insincere allies who clothe themselves in stolen dress of love, and whose kisses are poisonous deception. Unfortunately, we always fall for their flattery and deceit.
The wise son of Lamuel charges us to cherish the sincere love of our faithful friends even when truths from them hurt. They should be preferred to a thousand hypocrites that make us feel good. A friend’s reproofs may be severe, but they are sincere—from a spirit of love, faithfulness, and integrity—and are always for our good. The core charge from this text is similar to “the ides of March” caution: we are always surrounded by false lovers who come across with deceitful kisses but armed with secret jealousy and bitter envy—friends like Ahab and Judas, who never come in tempter’s costumes, they come dressed like friends.
If you’re blessed with good friendship. Please cherish it. It’s a real 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 confidence and 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 is quiet or compliments you in your wrongdoing might be your worse foe. Such love is false.
Quote for the Day: “A good friend is not just one 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 be more sensitive to my world and to cherish every blessed relationship which you have surrounded me with. Give me a sense of spiritual awareness and alertness that differentiates good from evil — in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]
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