Proverbs 27:6
A friend's honest comments may hurt you, but an enemy's kisses are over the top.
Free Bible Version
In The King James Version
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
In Context
5Open criticism is better than hidden love.
7If you're full up, you can't face honey; but if you're starving, even bitter food tastes sweet.
Cross References
2 Samuel 20:9“How are you doing, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. Joab held Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him.
Psalms 141:5Let a good person punish me in love—let them correct me. It will be like an anointing—I won't refuse it. But I still pray against those who do evil.
Proverbs 26:23Smooth talking with evil intent is like a shiny lead glaze on an earthenware pot.
Hebrews 12:10They disciplined us for a short while as they thought appropriate, but God does so for our benefit in order that we can share his holy character.
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 →