Proverbs 25:18-20 (ESV)
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble
is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
20 Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart
is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
and like vinegar on soda.
The ancient warrior used special weapons for different types of battle.The war club was effective for fighting up close. The sword was also for close up fighting, yet it kept some space between opponents; for battling at a distance, the fighter chose the arrow to defeat his enemies. A neighbor who turns against her friend is as lethal as any of these weapons. The associate who is not reliable is like a rotten tooth or feet that fail to hold up the body. Both are a huge disappointment to the one who trusts in their support. Finally, the friend who sings joyful songs to the discouraged is like taking a warm jacket off in the cold air, pouring stinging vinegar on a wound, or mixing two substances that create a violent explosion. Be sensitive to your friends’ needs.When they are broken, grieve with them.When they rejoice, then you can laugh and celebrate.