“Like a bad tooth or a foot out of joint, so is confidence in an unfaithful person at the time of trouble.“
Into the Text
King Ahasuerus was confident that Haman had his best interests at heart. He trusted Haman’s advice and sat down to drink with him, completely unaware of the destruction Haman’s counsel would bring. Proverbs 25:19 paints a vivid picture of what it feels like to trust someone unworthy of that trust. It’s like biting down on a broken tooth—painful and unreliable—or walking on a twisted ankle—slow and unstable.
We’ve all had moments when we’ve trusted the wrong people. Maybe their advice seemed wise at the time, or perhaps we wanted to believe they had our best interests in mind, even though we felt some doubt in our hearts. But just like King Ahasuerus, we eventually realize that trusting someone with a treacherous heart only leads to pain and regret. It’s a reminder of how important it is to seek discernment when it comes to the voices we listen to and the people we allow to influence our lives.
God calls us to seek wise and faithful counsel—people who not only speak the truth but do so with our best interests at heart. And more than that, He calls us to trust in Him above all else. God’s wisdom is steady and sure, unlike the shifting advice of the world. When we root our trust in Him, we can be confident that He will guide us on firm footing, even in times of trouble.
Take time today to reflect on who you are trusting for advice and guidance. Are they leading you closer to God or pulling you away from His truth? Ask God for the wisdom to discern who should have a voice in your life, and trust that He will help you.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to trust those who have my best interests in mind and seek you above all. Give me wisdom to see clearly when someone’s advice is not aligned with your truth, and guide me to walk in step with your plans for my life. Amen.