“Our friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 7, 2025
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6, NIV
I was recently catching up with a few friends, all of us dads of young children. One of them recently lost about 30 pounds and was healthier than ever. The other guys in the group were rightly inspired, and one of them looked over at me and said, “You and I are next!” In that moment, I felt both inspired and confused. Yes, I love a good challenge, but why did he include me in the group that needed to get fit?
It is remarkably easy to have a skewed and slanted view of ourselves. We think we’re fitter than we are, convince ourselves we’re kinder and more patient than we are, and when conflict arises, we’re confident that it’s the other person who needs to change! Yet there is a remarkable clarity that comes from inviting others to speak into your life, for in truth, they often see you more clearly than you see yourself.
In one way or another, we all battle the temptation to live in our heads and to accept a partial, and in truth, incomplete view of ourselves. Yet when we live in isolation, we miss out on the insight and ultimately, the blessing that comes from others who know us and help us see a fuller picture of ourselves. Of course, for it to lead to our growth and healing, these insights must be shared in love from those who long to see us grow more fully into the men and women we were made to be. As Proverbs reminds us, it is the wounds from a friend that are trustworthy and true. They do not wound us to shame or hurt us, but they help us see our shortcomings and at the same time wrap their arms around us and help us walk the road to healing, one step at a time.
Prayer
Father, thank you for the gift of friendship and for helping us see ourselves as we truly are, painful as this sometimes can be. Give us the strength to receive the insights of others with humility, welcoming the opportunity to grow more fully into the likeness of your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Who do you have in your life that offers honest insight that helps you grow? Give thanks to God for them today!
Related Reading
Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 12:3; James 5:16
Worship Resource
Brenton Brown: Humble King
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