Pro 27:5-6 | MHM | STEP | The Value of Honest Reproof This section teaches that it is better to have a friend who corrects us honestly than to have someone who flatters us with fake kindness. True friends care enough to point out our mistakes so we can grow. On the other hand, fake kindness from enemies can bring harm because it is not sincere. v. 5 : The Bible says, Open rebuke is better than secret love (Proverbs 27:5 ). It is good to be corrected by a true friend, even if it hurts at first. Honest correction shows real love, because our friends want to help us become better people. As it is written, You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him (Leviticus 19:17 ). In contrast, if someone only pretends to care but never helps us change, their "love" is not helpful. Also, we must beware of the kisses of an enemy. Such fake kindness, like the kiss of Joab or Judas, is deceitful and cannot be trusted (2 Samuel 20:9-10; Matthew 26:48-49 ). We should be on guard against such false affection and pray for protection from it.

‏ Proverbs 27:5-6

The Value of Honest Reproof

This section teaches that it is better to have a friend who corrects us honestly than to have someone who flatters us with fake kindness. True friends care enough to point out our mistakes so we can grow. On the other hand, fake kindness from enemies can bring harm because it is not sincere.

v. 5: The Bible says, Open rebuke is better than secret love (Proverbs 27:5 ^a). It is good to be corrected by a true friend, even if it hurts at first. Honest correction shows real love, because our friends want to help us become better people. As it is written, You shall not hate your brother in your heart: you shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him (Leviticus 19:17 ^b). In contrast, if someone only pretends to care but never helps us change, their "love" is not helpful. Also, we must beware of the kisses of an enemy. Such fake kindness, like the kiss of Joab or Judas, is deceitful and cannot be trusted (2 Samuel 20:9-10; Matthew 26:48-49 ^c). We should be on guard against such false affection and pray for protection from it.

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