Back To Home Page To Archives - Spring of Life - H. Roger Bothwell The Wounds of a Friend Proverbs 27:6 came to my mind this week while watching news coverage of yet another Middle East Peace Conference. The verse says, “The kisses of an enemy are profuse, …” and the news showed various leaders of these countries greeting each other with a kiss. That must make American Presidents pretty squeamish. I know it does me. But it is the last part of Proverbs 27:6 that is fascinating. Solomon goes on to say, “…but faithful are the wounds of a friend.” One of the hardest, most difficult things to do is bring pain to someone you care about. To have to share bad news or to give them advice you know they do not want to hear is not an easy thing to do. Being a teacher forces me on a regular basis to give less than stellar grades to students I like very much. But to give an “A” for “C” or “D” work is really a disservice to the student. If I would do so I would lull them into thinking that is the quality of work that will get them through life and if it is not good quality I have cheated them. I have not prepared them to do well in the life that follows. Sometimes God allows pain to come to us. In His wisdom as a loving friend it is always for a reason. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” I'm Roger Bothwell and my address is hrb1@tiac.net or 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453. Thank you for your support of our faith ministry. Past devotionals can be accessed at Archives