Proverbs 25:19
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
Original Language Analysis
שֵׁ֣ן
tooth
H8127
שֵׁ֣ן
tooth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
1 of 8
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
וְרֶ֣גֶל
and a foot
H7272
וְרֶ֣גֶל
and a foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
3 of 8
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
מִבְטָ֥ח
Confidence
H4009
מִבְטָ֥ח
Confidence
Strong's:
H4009
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance
בּ֝וֹגֵ֗ד
in an unfaithful man
H898
בּ֝וֹגֵ֗ד
in an unfaithful man
Strong's:
H898
Word #:
6 of 8
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
Historical Context
Ancient life involved genuine dependence on others' faithfulness - traveling companions, business partners, treaty allies. Unfaithfulness in crisis could prove fatal. David's mighty men demonstrated faithfulness in his adversity (2 Samuel 23). Conversely, Ahithophel's betrayal devastated David (2 Samuel 15-17). Modern individualism may obscure interdependence, but wisdom still requires discerning who's faithful before trusting them in crises.
Questions for Reflection
- Who have you trusted who proved unfaithful when you needed them?
- How can you evaluate others' faithfulness before crisis forces the question?
- What makes you faithful or unfaithful when others depend on you in difficulty?
Analysis & Commentary
Confidence in an unfaithful person in trouble is like a broken tooth or lame foot. The Hebrew 'batach' (trust/confidence) in 'boghed' (treacherous/unfaithful) creates vivid imagery. Broken tooth and lame foot: both fail when needed most. Tooth breaks when chewing; foot fails when walking. Similarly, unfaithful people fail when you most need them. This warns: evaluate others' faithfulness before crisis, not during. Unreliable people can't be relied on when reliability matters most.