20 My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.
21 His talk is smooth as butter,
yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
yet they are drawn swords. Psalm 55:20-21

I believe David was still referring to Ahithophel, who was once his advisor. King David had trusted him, and upon hindsight realized how “slick” his advisor actually was. It has been said that people are not against you so much as they are for themselves. Ahithophel saw “the writing on the wall”, and when David’s reign was about to end, joined up with Absalom.

It’s apparent that Ahithophel was in it for himself. Not much has changed over the years. We still see that type of behavior today, though we would wrap it in a euphemism such as “looking out for number one.” There’s a lot of that today, but there are also a lot of people who will befriend you because you are you.

Today as you consider these words, give a friend a call. He’s/She’s your friend for a reason.