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Proverbs 25:19 meaning

Trusting someone undependable leads to pain and broken confidence.

“Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.” (Proverbs 25:19). This verse vividly illustrates the pain and instability we experience when we rely on someone who lacks integrity or reliability. A bad tooth can immobilize us with aches, and an injured foot keeps us from walking steadily. Similarly, placing important trust in someone who proves untrustworthy can lead to disappointment and further hardship when adversity comes.

Scripture stresses the importance of faithfulness and honesty. Just as Jesus taught His disciples to let their “Yes” be yes and their “No” be no, being truthful is foundational to healthy relationships and a stable community (Matthew 5:37). When we rely on a person who is “faithless,” we find ourselves stranded without support, similar to how a damaged foot fails to bear weight. The lack of dependability leaves us vulnerable in times of need, reminding us to choose our confidants wisely.

God’s Word consistently points us to place our confidence in Him (Proverbs 3:5). The Lord is unchanging, dependable, and the ultimate source of help (Hebrews 13:8). In contrast to the danger of trusting a “faithless man,” setting our hope on Christ provides a firm foundation in storms we face (Matthew 7:24-25). Rather than leaving us wounded and off balance, the Lord upholds us and makes our footsteps secure.

Proverbs 25:19