We expect our enemies to wound us and our friends to support us. But some times it is just the reverse. Sometimes our enemies are giving us pats on the back and high-fives while our friends are cutting us to the heart.
Certainly there can be times when, by virtue of a common concern, someone who normally doesn't like you can come along side to support your efforts in behalf of a cause in which they believe. For instance, a conservative Republican and a liberal Democrat, might team up to support Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
There can also be times when a friend turns on you or simply, out of anger, sears you with a flurry of heated words because of a misunderstanding or a falling out.
But normally, when an enemy begins to flatter you or seem to be in support of you, there is another shoe to drop or a knife traveling toward your back. And when a friend, conversely, says something that wounds you, there is hand of support and a look of concern attached.
A good friend, will tell you the truth, even when it is not welcomed. A good friend will seek your best, even when you are determined to choose the worst. A good friend cares more about you than maintaining the friendship.
Solomon put it this way: "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" Prov 27:6). In other words, when an enemy speaks well of you, it is prudent to determine what they are up to. And when a friend speaks unflatteringly about you, it is wise to try to determine if their words really did constitute "unnessary roughness."
We don't need agreement so nuch as we need clarity. A clear and honest word, even if painful, is always better than a lie. Jus' Sayn.
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