You must not trust some people.

Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.

Proverbs 25:19

Some people should not be trusted. Their lives speak much louder than their promises, and once you see that pattern, you cannot in good faith believe them. Their past character (clearly not transformed by the gospel) is the best indicator of their present condition and future performance. Of course, the gospel can change all of this when a person becomes a new creation in Christ. But simply saying they believe is not enough for the trust. The transformative work will bear fruit. When it does not, it may just be further reason to hold on trust. Such a person is called “treacherous” in this proverb.

So what does that term “treacherous” mean? It means they have hurt by their actions in a selfish way. The root meaning of the Hebrew word is “cover”. A treacherous, untrustworthy person “covers” what they don’t what others to see. Now, here is the scary part… we all tend to this to a degree in relationships. Adam and Eve attempted to cover and hide when God first confronted them after the fall… evidence of their treachery for sure. We will show people what we think enhances us, diverting them to what we think they want to see of us. But treacherous people do this pathologically and without remorse. They are in a constant game of masquerade and spin, cover-up and concealment, hide and seek. And they might charm you by appealing to your preferences while personally using you for their gain and sinning against you without your knowledge. And once you realize what has happened you grasp the true meaning of “treachery” here in this proverb.

This bit of wisdom arms us for stronger relationships. Once you encounter a treacherous “coverer”… a deceiver… a manipulator… a sin-motivated lying hider… do not under any circumstances trust them with any depth. BEWARE! The relationship will become a rotten toothache if you trust them. You will slip in your journey with them. Watch your step. Interact with cautious distance. Do not lean in. Love must dictate that the relationship only can have the bare minimum of trust. You are doing them no favors by helping them perpetuate their cover-ups. This proverb guarantees you will be hurt in time of trouble. Yes, you should still care about them. You may still truly love them if they are an inescapable part of your life. You cannot however truly build an honest relationship with a person whose lies constantly cover what is a treacherous heart.