Proverbs 27:6
If a friend criticizes you, he is a good friend and you can trust him; but if one of your enemies kisses you, he is probably wanting to deceive you.
Translation for Translators
In The King James Version
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
In Context
Cross References
2 Samuel 20:9Joab said to Amasa, “Are things going well with you, my friend?” Then Joab grabbed Amasa’s beard with his right hand, in order to kiss him.
Psalms 141:5It is all right if righteous people strike/hit me or rebuke me because they are trying to act kindly toward me to teach me to do what is right, but I do not want wicked people to honor me by anointing my head with olive oil; I am always praying that you will punish them because of the wicked deeds that they do.
Proverbs 26:23People who say nice things when they are thinking about doing evil things are like a nice glaze/covering on a cheap clay pot.
Hebrews 12:10Our natural fathers disciplined us for a short time in a way that they considered right, but it wasn’t always right, but God always disciplines us in a right way, to help us. He does it so that we may be 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 →