Wednesday Wisdom | Holy Wednesday – The Devotional Guy™

It’s late evening here in Texas, and after a day of practicing being, I am sharing some thoughts on Holy Wednesday, also known as Spy Wednesday.

It’s the day that reminds us of the plot by Judas to betray Jesus to the Jewish chief priests and elders. The religious leaders of the time felt both threatened by Jesus’ popularity and challenged by His teachings, particularly regarding their religious hypocrisy. As a result, they sought to silence Jesus and paid Judas to lead them to Him.

So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

John 11:53 NIV

My guess is you’ve probably been hurt by someone you trusted. It’s something I believe many of us experience in our lives. We can only speculate what motivated Judas to betray his friend, Jesus.

The Wednesday of Holy Week marked a sinister turn in the ministry of Jesus. It’s a a troublesome moment not just for those that were there alongside our Lord, but a somber day for us as well. Nothing gets better between now and Good Friday, the day Jesus is crucified.

On this Wisdom Wednesday, I am sharing 12 Proverbs—both biblical and traditional—that reflect the themes of Spy Wednesday and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. These proverbs speak on the subjects of betrayal, greed, secrecy, false friendship, and divine justice. I hope you find them fruitful and beneficial as you observe Holy Week.

Biblical Proverbs

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
— Proverbs 27:6 NIV
(Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.)
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
— Proverbs 17:17 NIV
(In contrast to Judas’ betrayal, true love remains steadfast.)
The wicked accept bribes in secret to pervert the course of justice.
— Proverbs 17:23 NIV
(Judas took silver in secret to betray innocent blood.)
The way of the treacherous is their ruin.
— Proverbs 13:15b ESV
(Judas’ path of betrayal ultimately led to his downfall.)
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
— Proverbs 10:9 NIV
(Judas tried to hide his treachery, but it came to light.)
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
— Proverbs 14:12 ESV
(Judas may have believed he was forcing Jesus’ hand or serving some misguided cause.)

Proverbs from various cultures and sources:

A man is judged by the company he keeps.
(Judas, though among the disciples, had a heart turned elsewhere.)
Even a snake sheds its skin, but it’s still a snake.
— African Proverb
(Outward appearances of loyalty can hide inward deceit.)
The axe forgets, but the tree remembers.
— African Proverb
(Judas may forget the betrayal in his guilt, but its effect lingers.)
Beware of the one who feeds you with one hand and strikes you with the other. — Greek Proverb
(Judas broke bread with Jesus and then betrayed Him.)
He who digs a pit for others falls into it himself.
— Old English Proverb
(Judas’ own plot led to his destruction.)
Money is a good servant but a bad master. —Francis Bacon
(Thirty pieces of silver became a curse rather than a reward.)

Thirty pieces of silver seem like a paltry bounty for betraying Jesus. I think Judas was driven by something greater than money. Surely, what ever motivated him, Judas regretted it in the end.

I pray you continue to be blessed as you continue on your Holy Week journey.