I think we can all establish that Solomon is not talking about a friend physically hurting us. The wounds in this verse are the hurt and pain caused when a friend speaks clear, uncomfortable truth into our journey. I have a friend who has been my accountability partner for over 35 years. During that time, he has spoken to me about issues in my life that I did not want to think about. A little over a year ago I was treated very disrespectfully and unkindly by someone. I met with him and shared what had happened. After making it clear that he was also offended and angered on my behalf he immediately shifted our conversation to moving past their sin and focusing on what it was that God wanted me to see in myself to work on. I greatly appreciated that counsel, kind of. I went to another friend of over 40 years. He, too, was greatly offended by the way I had been treated. After a moment of co-commiseration, he gently moved to focusing on what God wanted to do in my growth and spiritual development, regardless of the other person’s behavior. Finally, and painfully, I saw areas in my character that I could focus on allowing God to conform to His Son’s image. Today, give permission to those who know and love you best to speak hard truth into your story. #BeTheEdge
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalms 139:23-24 NIV
