“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth
and a foot out of joint.” Proverbs 25:19
God’s word gives us deep insight into people and their behavior. It tells us what people to avoid and what people we should be around.
When God’s word discusses people it describes behaviors that show us God’s direction as to whether this will be an edifying relationship or not. It also tells us the kinds of behaviors we should practice or avoid.
Confidence Solomon begins this proverb by stating what all people look for – someone or something in which they can have trust, confidence, or security. The Hebrew word used is often used when discussing putting one’s trust in God. In addition to God
we are to look for others that are dependable and trustworthy. But spme choose poorly.
In an unfaithful man Solomon immediately raises our concerns. He tells us we can put our confidence in unfaithful people. The word unfaithful refers to one who acts treacherously, deals deceitfully and betrays another’s trust. The first time this word is used is in Exodus 21:8 where it is translated unfairness or deceitfully. This describes a person who deceives another by promising one thing but then either not fulfilling that promise or deliberately doing something very different than what they had said.
In time of trouble Solomon adds a condition to his proverb. He warns against misplaced trust in a time of trouble. The Hebrew
word means a period of distress, trouble, or adversity. It conveys a sense of being in a tight or narrow place. It is a time of pressure.
Solomon knows this is a time when we are at risk. We need someone to help us and perhaps the unfaithful person is the only one to
volunteer. Job faced this with his friends. He said of them , “My brothers are treacherous as a torrent-bed, as torrential streams
that pass away, which are dark with ice, and where the snow hides itself. When they melt, they disappear; when it is hot, they vanish from their place” (Job 6:15–17). Don’t let bad situations cause you to violate God’s word by depending on the unfaithful.
Is like a bad tooth Solomon compares depending on the unfaithful man to two painful situations. The first is a broken tooth. The word is often used to refer to actions that are contrary to God’s will and character things that are evil or wicked.. The pain of a broken tooth happens quickly. It does not stop and we cannot escape. It constantly reminds us of how bad it is. A broken tooth keeps from eating and as a result, strength is lost. When we abide with evil, God’s strength in our life is hindered.
And a foot out of joint Next Solomon describes relying on the unfaithful person as a foot out of joint. The word means disjointed.
A foot of joint is noticed when pressure is placed on it, when it must be leaned on. When that occurs pain is felt and the foot may give away at the time it is needed most. Thus one is unable to move or to respond quickly.
What can we learn? There are three lessons for us. First God warns us about relying on those who are unfaithful. This person who bears false witness is often also the unfaithful man in time of trouble. In one situation he brings pain, in the other situation he is a pain. Relying on this person creates persistent, debilitating hurt. The second lesson we
see is that true character is revealed in difficult times. When people are unfaithful and undependable in normal life, we should not expect to see a change in behavior as things get difficult – no matter how much a person may protest that we can rely on them. Finally we are reminded that putting our ultimate trust in man is always a mistake. Psalm 118:8 tells us “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.” There is only one person who will never let us down. Full Jesus Christ in trust alone!