Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25. Verse 19 states, “Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble”. Oh, how true this verse is on a couple of different levels and I have been guilty of relying on them both.

First, unfaithful, as defined as untrustworthy. How painful is it, like a “bad tooth”, to rely on someone who never comes through; who promises big results but never delivers (v14). You spend the entire time worrying and hoping that they will be “different” this time, this time it will be fine, but in the end, they fail you again and you really needed them to come through on this matter. What pain and heartache you suffer in the process, and you still have the problem to take care of!

Secondly, unfaithful, as defined as unbelievers. This one is especially heartbreaking. How we as Christians, serving the Almighty God, will turn our faith to man in times of trouble. As an example, we will be faced with a moral decision at work, one that requires us to either follow God or follow your boss. You want to “do the right thing”, but you need your job to pay your bills. So you go along with your boss because what he’s asking is “really not that bad” (you try to rationalize to yourself), “God will understand”. Do not think that for a minute! You have just placed your reliance in your boss, because you don’t believe God can help you with your finances, only your boss (job) can. You sing praises to God on Sunday, call Him all powerful, read of the great miracles He has performed, but you put your reliance on your boss when it comes time to pay your bills. That is a very painful place to be, one I never want to be in again.

I close with this, Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please, God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Though it may seem difficult to human understanding, DO NOT place your reliance on the unfaithful, but place ALL YOUR FAITH in the one and only God. For as Hebrews states, God will reward those who seek Him. He loved us enough to send His only Son to die for us, no one will ever love us that much. Don’t you think, especially after such a sacrifice, that He wants the best for us? Of course He does. God please help me to seek You, to place my faith in You alone and to never place my reliance on the unfaithful. Rick