Writers 
In life, one of the most important things we must learn is that not everyone who smiles with us genuinely wishes us well. Some people may appear happy about our progress while secretly wishing they were in our position. Their jealousy or envy may cause them to struggle with our success, especially when we have something they desire but cannot attain.
A smile is not always a reflection of the heart, and closeness does not always mean genuine concern.
One way to recognize such people is through their inconsistency. Sometimes, they may offer advice that does not align with your best interests, make unhealthy comparisons, or subtly discourage you from pursuing something meaningful. However, we must be careful not to judge everyone unfairly based on a single action. People have bad days, too. What matters is observing consistent patterns of behaviour and learning to discern people's intentions over time.
Furthermore, we must understand that our happiness should not depend on how others react to our achievements. If someone fails to celebrate our progress, it does not mean we should diminish our joy or question our worth. We must learn to appreciate our achievements without constantly seeking validation from others. Not everyone will understand our journey, and not everyone will be excited about where we are going. Nevertheless, we must remain focused on becoming the people we desire to be.
This is also why we must be intentional about the information we share. Not every plan needs an audience, and not every dream needs to be announced before it becomes reality. Sometimes, silence protects our plans while we work towards them. When we share our intentions with the wrong people, their discouragement, negative opinions, or unnecessary comparisons may weaken our confidence. A plan is still a possibility that requires action, patience, and sometimes privacy. Therefore, we should learn to share wisely, choosing people who have demonstrated genuine care, wisdom, and trustworthiness.
The Bible provides a striking example in the story of Amnon in 2 Samuel 13. Amnon desired his half-sister Tamar and became consumed by his feelings. His cousin Jonadab, described as a very crafty man, suggested a deceptive plan that enabled Amnon to get Tamar alone. Amnon followed this advice and sexually assaulted her. His actions brought disgrace, hatred, and devastating consequences. Tamar's brother Absalom later took revenge by arranging Amnon's death.
Although Jonadab presented himself as someone who could help Amnon achieve his desire, his advice did not lead Amnon towards wisdom or righteousness. This account reminds us that advice is not necessarily good simply because it comes from someone close to us. We must consider the character of the person advising us and the consequences of following their counsel. Not every suggestion deserves our acceptance, and not every person who offers to help has our best interests at heart.
Ultimately, we must pay attention to the people we allow into our lives. We should value those who correct us with love, celebrate our growth sincerely, and encourage us to make wise decisions. At the same time, we must avoid becoming suspicious of everyone simply because some people have disappointed us.
LESSONS TO REMEMBER
1. Do not measure your worth by how others react to your success.
2. Observe people's consistent behaviour rather than relying solely on their words or smiles.
3. Be intentional about whom you trust with your plans and personal affairs.
4. Examine advice carefully before acting on it, regardless of who gives it.
5. Practise discernment without allowing suspicion to control your relationships.
Remember: Not everyone who smiles with you is happy for you, and not everyone who advises you has your best interests at heart. Learn to discern, protect your peace, and keep working towards becoming the person you are meant to be.