Speaking the Truth

The Book of Proverbs are a collection of wise sayings that were compiled by King Solomon whom the bible affirms had understanding beyond measure, was wiser than all other men and spoke 3000 proverbs (1 Kings 4:29-34). King Solomon had been supernaturally blessed with wisdom in response to an earnest prayer and, as a result of this wisdom, Solomon would go on to become the richest and wisest king in all the earth (1 King 10:23). 

This is helpful context for our passage, today, because it is useful to remember that this nugget of wisdom doesn’t come from just any wise man,but it comes from an incredibly wise and rich king. King Solomon would have known a thing or two about secret enemies or haters who smile in your face, kiss your cheek but pray for your downfall. He would have known about people who only shower you with flattery because they are afraid to be real or because they only desire your favour. King Solomon would have known all too well about the dangers of being surrounded by ‘yes-men’ as advisors and friends who fail to call out your foolishness or hold you accountable for your actions.

Conversely, someone as rich and successful as King Solomon would have known the precious value of friends who are not afraid to tell the truth. He would coveted faithful confidents who could be trusted even when their words were harsh or cause offense. This is because you believe that these words, whilst challenging, are ultimately for your good. King Solomon would have been painfully aware that even with all the wisdom in world, you still need the perspective of other voices and opinions to peer check your assessment. Hence, who better, other than God Himself, to give us this sage advice than a man who had all the wisdom in the world and more riches than he could spend, but who still confessed his need for good and faithful friendship. 

Today, this wise man is telling us that before we reject the critique or accept the celebration, we should first consider the character of the person it is coming from. He is also telling us that wisdom dictates that we ought to create environments in which our friends, and loved ones, feel safe and are able to challenge and correct us. Yes, it matters how challenge and correction is given but what matters most is who is it coming from rather than how did it come to us because the truth is still the truth no matter how much it stings. Finally, this wise man is telling us that if we are to be faithful friends, we cannot shy away from or avoid speaking the truth to the people we care about, because to do so would be cowardly not friendly.

Reflection 

What kind of friend have you been to the people in your life? Have you always been truthful with them? If not, why and how can you change this? How often do you receive balanced or constructive feedback? Are you quick to defend orwelcome this type of feedback? How easy are you to correct or challenge?

Application:

Ask 1-3 of your trusted friends to provide you with 6 home truths. 3 truths should be positive and GENUINE affirmations about you. 3 should be constructive critiques about where you can improve or do better in 2026.