Proverbs 27:5
Better is open protest than love kept secret.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
In Context
4Wrath is cruel, and angry feeling an overflowing stream; but who does not give way before envy?
6The wounds of a friend are given in good faith, but the kisses of a hater are false.
Cross References
Leviticus 19:17Let there be no hate in your heart for your brother; but you may make a protest to your neighbour, so that he may be stopped from doing evil.
Matthew 18:15And if your brother does wrong to you, go, make clear to him his error between you and him in private: if he gives ear to you, you have got your brother back again.
1 Timothy 5:20Say sharp words to sinners when all are present, so that the rest may be in fear.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 27:4-5
3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. 4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? These two verses show the intolerable mischief, 1. Of ungoverned passion. The wrath of a fool, who when he is provoked cares not what he says and does, is more grievous than a great stone or a load of sand. It lies heavily upon himself. Those who have no command of their passions do themselves even sink under the load of them. The wrath of a fool… Read the whole commentary →