"A Friend Who Harms You"? Is There Such a Thing?
Isn’t a friend supposed to treat you well? Why do friends quickly turn into enemies? Don’t be surprised, because incidents like this have happened since ancient times. Look at these Bible verses I quote:
Proverbs 18:24 in various versions states:
“There are friends who bring harm, but there is also a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (TB 1974)
“A person with many friends may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (AYT 2018)
“Some friends are not loyal, but some are closer than a brother.” (BIS 1985)
This verse reminds us that not all friends bring good, but there is a true friend who is more precious than a biological sibling. This is a reality.
There are examples of Bible characters who were betrayed by their friends, such as:
King David
As told in Psalm 41:7-8, David experienced betrayal from a close friend who attacked him when he was weak. David said, “My close friend, whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”
A real-life example:
My younger sibling told me about their driver who had worked for them for almost 10 years, someone they trusted, but two months ago, the driver ran away with their money. This is a reality. In Medan recently, there was news of a husband killing his wife. So, friends in this world can be hard to trust.
Jesus Christ
Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, a disciple who was very close and trusted as treasurer, but who handed Jesus over for money (Luke 22:47-48, Mark 14:44). Here is another side of reality experienced by Jesus Himself—His enemy was not someone far from Him, but someone close to Him.
Job
Although not directly betrayed, his friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) added to his suffering with hurtful and unhelpful words, making Job feel emotionally betrayed (Job 16:2). This is evidence of friends who leave us in our time of trouble. But remember well, Job suffered not because of his own sin; if we suffer as a consequence of our own wrongdoing, we must face the consequences. Don’t use shortcuts to avoid the consequences. God has forgiven our mistakes, but we must take responsibility for the results.
Why Are There Friends Who Cause Harm?
Personal Motives and Self-Interest
Like Judas who handed Jesus over for money, personal gain is often the cause of betrayal. Money can blind people; many close friends start a business together from scratch, struggle together, fight together, but when the business succeeds, personal interests emerge. As a result, partnerships break, and they become enemies and competitors.
Disloyalty and Hypocrisy
Friends can be hypocritical, pretending to be good but actually two-faced, as David experienced when he was sick and betrayed by those closest to him. That’s why a true friend can be measured when you are at your lowest. But remember, a good friend sometimes lets you experience that low point while waiting for you to repent and return to the right path. Because if they always help you at every little difficulty, your friend will never experience life’s training.
Negative Influence and Choosing the Wrong Friends
Choosing the wrong friends can lead someone to be influenced in a bad direction, ultimately bringing harm or trouble (Proverbs 13:20, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34).
Share
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you should, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-34)
Spiritual Lessons and Reflection on the Character of Jesus
Jesus Still Loves
Even though betrayed by His own disciple, Jesus still showed love and forgiveness, even to the point of the cross.
Learn to Choose Friends Wisely
The Bible teaches the importance of choosing friends who bring positive influence (Proverbs 13:20) and that not all friendships bring good (Proverbs 18:24).
Rely on God, Not on People
Like David who still hoped in God even when betrayed, we are taught to rely on God as our true Helper and Defender, not just on people.
Conclusion
Betrayal by a friend is a painful experience, but the Bible offers deep spiritual lessons: to keep loving, to choose friends wisely, and to rely on God above all else. Jesus Himself is the perfect example in facing betrayal with love and forgiveness.
Take Note:
A GOOD FRIEND SOMETIMES LETS YOU EXPERIENCE YOUR LOWEST POINT, WAITING FOR YOU TO REPENT AND RETURN TO GOD. BECAUSE IF THEY WERE ONLY LIKE GUARDIAN ANGELS WHO COME EVERY TIME, IT WOULD SPOIL US, MAKING US COMPLACENT IN OUR SINFUL WAYS AND UNWILLING TO CHANGE.
Mid-Morning, June 12, 2025
Cornerstone San Francisco – SS
