Proverbs 27:5–6: Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Insight
This is a contrast of which we have many examples in the Bible. Paul rebuked Simon Peter when he withdrew from eating with the Gentiles. Peter needed that rebuke, and he accepted it from Paul. There was no ill feeling between them. It is a wonderful thing to have a friend who will call attention to your faults in a helpful way. That’s the reason a preacher needs a good wife. She can keep him humble and tell him what is wrong with him. I have come out from a service puffed up like a balloon. When we get into the car, my wife pushes a pin into the balloon. I recognize that she is the one who is right rather than the one who was flattering me. Now the contrasting thought is, of course, exemplified in Judas who betrayed Jesus with a kiss. 1
Application
What do you base your friendships upon? Always liking everything and accepting everything or having enough love to believe, bear, hope, and endure all things. Is there a strong enough foundation to laugh through the difficulties, knowing you’re on the same team and you would never be anything less than loyal to each other? Can you show each other your wounds, smile, and move forward together in victory?
Motivation
Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. Matthew 18:15
A true friend will speak the truth in love, then love you all the more. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, teach me to listen to Your correction, and to receive Your love to change.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
