Many
men claim to be men of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful man?
Proverbs 20:6
The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter;
therefore he shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.
Proverbs 20 [5.] Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water;
but a man of understanding will draw it out.
Many men claim to be men of unfailing love,
but who can find a faithful man?
A righteous man walks in integrity.
Blessed are his children after him.
A king who sits on the throne of judgment
scatters away all evil with his eyes.
Who can say, “I have made my heart pure.
I am clean and without sin?”
Proverbs 20 [10.] Differing weights and differing measures,
both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
Meaning:
This proverb speaks to the reality that while many people may profess to be faithful or loyal, truly trustworthy individuals are rare. The verse challenges us to reflect not only on the reliability of those around us but also on our own faithfulness in relationships, commitments, and integrity.
- The Challenge of Finding True Loyalty
The statement, “Many men claim to be loyal,” highlights how easy it is for people to make promises or declarations about their faithfulness. In our words, we can paint a picture of reliability, commitment, and devotion. But as the proverb continues, it brings us back to a sobering truth: “Who can find a trustworthy man?” The implication is that while many may talk about loyalty, actually living out that loyalty in a way that is consistent and unwavering is far less common.
This speaks to a gap between what people say and what they do. In life, we often encounter individuals who make grand claims of their faithfulness—whether in friendships, business, marriage, or other relationships—but when tested, those promises don’t always hold up. There’s a significant difference between professing loyalty and demonstrating it through actions over time, especially when circumstances become difficult.
- Loyalty and Trustworthiness in Relationships
The rarity of true loyalty and trustworthiness is not a new issue. Throughout human history, we see stories of betrayal, broken promises, and misplaced trust. Even in the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who failed to live up to their promises. One striking example is the story of Peter in the New Testament. Although Peter promised Jesus, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you” (Matthew 26:35), he later denied knowing Jesus three times when under pressure (Matthew 26:69-75). Despite Peter’s earlier confident words, his actions revealed the frailty of human loyalty when put to the test.
This verse in Proverbs calls us to a deeper level of self-examination. Are we the type of person whose loyalty is only professed with words, or are we the kind of person whose trustworthiness is demonstrated through consistent, faithful action? Being trustworthy means showing up when it matters, keeping promises even when it’s hard, and being reliable in the face of adversity.
- True Loyalty Is Tested in Difficult Times
True loyalty is often tested in the challenging seasons of life. It’s easy to be loyal when everything is going well, but the real test comes when situations are tough or when there’s something to be gained by breaking that loyalty. In the story of Job, we see that his friends initially seem loyal and supportive when Job loses everything. However, as time goes on and Job continues to suffer, they begin to accuse him, wrongly assuming that his suffering must be due to some hidden sin. Their loyalty wavers because their understanding is limited, and they fail to remain faithful when Job most needs their support.
In contrast, we see examples of loyal individuals throughout Scripture who remained faithful despite the cost. One such example is Ruth, who famously told her mother-in-law Naomi, “Where you go, I will go; and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people, and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16). Ruth’s loyalty was not based on her personal convenience but was grounded in her deep love and commitment, even though it meant leaving behind her homeland and entering a life of uncertainty.
Loyalty, in its truest form, is not self-serving or conditional. It is sacrificial and enduring. It means standing by someone even when doing so is inconvenient or when circumstances change. This kind of loyalty is rare, which is why the proverb asks, “Who can find a trustworthy man?”
- Faithfulness in Our Walk with God
The question posed by Proverbs 20:6 not only applies to our relationships with others but also to our relationship with God. Just as loyalty to other people is often professed but not always upheld, our loyalty to God can sometimes be more easily spoken than consistently lived out. How often do we claim to trust in God but then fail to follow through in times of hardship or temptation?
The Bible encourages us to be faithful in our walk with God, recognizing that our relationship with Him is not based on empty words but on a heart of genuine commitment. Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” God Himself is the ultimate example of trustworthiness and loyalty. He is always faithful, keeping His promises no matter what. Our faithfulness to Him should be a reflection of His perfect faithfulness to us.
In our relationship with God, just as in our relationships with others, loyalty involves more than just professing our love and devotion. It means walking in obedience, staying committed to Him even when it’s hard, and trusting in His promises, especially when the outcome is uncertain.
- The Rare Gem of Trustworthiness
Proverbs 20:6 reveals the rarity of a trustworthy person, but it also challenges us to strive to be that kind of person. Trustworthiness is not just about being reliable when it’s easy or convenient; it’s about being someone whose loyalty and integrity shine through in both good times and bad. We are called to be the kind of people whose actions speak louder than words, whose promises are kept, and who are faithful even when it costs us something.
Being trustworthy is one of the most valuable qualities a person can have, and it’s something we should cultivate in our own lives. This proverb invites us to consider how we can become more faithful in our relationships—with others, with God, and even with ourselves. By striving to be trustworthy, we reflect the character of God, who is always faithful and true.
In a world where many claim to be loyal, may we seek to be among the few who are truly trustworthy. And in doing so, we can be a light to others, demonstrating the kind of faithfulness that honors God and blesses those around us.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible