"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Proverbs 27:6 Many people suffer because they lack a friend who is deep and committed enough to offer correction when it is needed. Often the reason no one speaks to point out a flaw in time for us to correct it without serious damage is found in our response to those who attempt to offer advice or correction. A man or woman who responds with anger or frustration to such an attempt will soon stop receiving them—but that is a very dangerous position to be in. Ecclesiastes 4:13 says, “Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.” None of us are wise and godly enough not to need friends to help us improve. None of us are able to identify all of our blind spots and see where we may be vulnerable without even realizing it. Corporations pay huge sums of money to people who attempt to break through their security systems and identify weaknesses before they can be exploited. Our friends—true friends—provide such a warning system for us if we have the humility and wisdom to listen to them. The fact that correction comes from a friend does not make it painless. But we should view it as a needed wound—and appreciate it. Respond to your friends in such a way that they are willing to speak up when you need correction.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Jun 2013 12:52:27 +0000
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