Wounds from a Friend

I decided to start this blog to record the things I am learning and have learned regarding Christ and the church and His soon coming. As I thought about when I began this journey in my Bible study I realized although I have studied this as long as I can remember, it really began over two years ago with a wound inflicted by a friend. This post is not about the wound or the friend but is an exhortation to seek and trust God in those times.

Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

I have read this verse many times before but it has a clearer meaning when I look at it having walked through to the other side of this experience. I have come to understand that this does not mean that all wounding from a friend has validity but rather you can trust what God is doing in it.

This verse in Proverbs is not only a statement of wisdom but is related to other passages of scripture like Job and his friends in the book of Job and Jesus pruning those who bear fruit so they will bear more fruit in the gospel of John.

What God did for me was increased Bible study, me trying to discern the validity of the wound. That led me directly to studying the seven churches in Revelation which led me to teachers and passages and the study of the end times.

James 5:7-12

7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer anticipates the precious fruit of the soil as he patiently awaits the fall and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!

10 Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or earth or by any other oath. Simply let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, so that you will not fall under judgment.