Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

At first glance, the truth contained in this verse runs counter to our typical thinking. Generally, we associate “wounds” with enemies and “kisses” with our friends.  However, there are times when we need to hear something that will turn us away from danger. And, a true friend will be concerned enough about us and faithful enough to our friendship to really tell us something we may not want to hear.

On the other hand, an enemy may see us in a vulnerable place and “kiss” us with what seems to be good words and encouragement to do things we do not need to do.  The enemy will PRETEND to be our friend.  BEWARE!  What we really need is truth, even if it may hurt a bit.

The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

Many believing parents have claimed the promise in this verse. Some children seem to flow easily into a godly way of life.  For others, there is struggling.  As children move into maturity, some seem to defy this promise to parents, even though the parents believe they have “trained” the child in the “way he should go.” Parents, do not be discouraged.   Take heart from another Scriptural witness you can surely count on in Galatians.  Continue to sow spiritual blessings through the Spirit of God into the lives of your children.  Do not “faint.” God’s Word says you will reap in due season.

Galatians 6:8-9 ⁸For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. ⁹And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

Many of us have lived and learned the truth of this verse.  It is truly a great gift to be able to restrain ourselves from speaking before we think … before we realize there is a strong possibility of painful consequences. It seems so easy to blurt out our opinions or spout off about something we think we have the facts about, but it is a foolish thing to do.  The wise man will more often use wisdom, forethought, and restraint before he speaks.

 Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.

It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment.