Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are given in good faith, but the kisses of a hater are false.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
In Context
5Better is open protest than love kept secret.
7The full man has no use for honey, but to the man in need of food every bitter thing is sweet.
Cross References
2 Samuel 20:9And Joab said to Amasa, Is it well, my brother? And with his right hand he took him by the hair of his chin to give him a kiss.
Psalms 141:5Let the upright give me punishment; and let the god-fearing man put me in the right way; but I will not let the oil of sinners come on my head: when they do evil I will give myself to prayer.
Proverbs 26:23Smooth lips and an evil heart are like a vessel of earth plated with silver waste.
Hebrews 12:10For they truly gave us punishment for a short time, as it seemed good to them; but he does it for our profit, so that we may become holy as he is.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 27:6-7
5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Note, 1. It is good for us to be reproved, and told of our faults, by our friends. If true love in the heart has but zeal and courage enough to show itself in dealing plainly with our friends, and reproving them for what they say and do amiss, this is really better, not only than secret hatred (as Lev. xix. 17 ), but than secret love, that love to our neighbours which does not show itself in… Read the whole commentary →