“It is not an enemy who taunts me—then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me—then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng” (Psalm 55:12-14).
Can there be a wound more harsh than when a trusted companion turns on you? Could any other pain pierce so deeply? Breaking a bone can be excruciating, but the soul-deep wound inflicted by one with whom you’ve walked in love and companionship is far worse.
These words of David paint a vivid picture. If it had been an enemy, “then I could bear it,” he says. But it was not an enemy. It was a friend, “my companion, my familiar friend.” That would, indeed, be a crushing blow. Being on the receiving end of a sword-thrust from someone you trusted is devastating.
I want to challenge you today. As much as we would never want to be on the receiving end of such pain, it is just as important that we never be the givers of such pain either. Guard your heart, and be careful with your words and actions. Don’t slowly — or quickly — become the former companion, turned enemy.
To Make You Think 
Thanks tom. I can relate to David in that passage, several times over. That there has been healing, recovery and forgiveness is testimony to the fact that there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Very recently I found out a dear friend of mine from years past, has been a scammer. A scammer to others; family, employers, friends… but oddly I never saw “that” person. I never did. I never saw the scammer that other have reported. I hate the sins this person has committed, I feel duped. But oddly I too feel protected, loved and admired by this person. As I NEVER saw the other side… I was never allowed to find out what that person was really like. Somehow a bit weirdly chivalrous.