Proverbs 27:6

6 The wounds of a friend mean well, but the kisses of an enemy are profane.

Proverbs 27:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend
That is, friendly reproofs; which, though they may be severe, at least thought so, and may grieve and wound, and cause pain and uneasiness for the present, yet, proceeding from a spirit of love, faithfulness, and integrity, and designed for the good of the person reproved, ought to be kindly received; see ( Psalms 141:5 ) ;

but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful;
flow from a deceitful heart, and not to be confided in, as the kisses of Joab and Judas. It may be rather rendered, "are to be deprecated" ^F25; prayed against, as real evils, hurtful and pernicious; and so the Targum renders it, "are evil". Good is the advice of Isocrates ^F26,

``reckon them faithful, not who praise everything thou sayest or doest, but those that reprove what is amiss.''

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 (twrten) "deprecanda", Junius & Tremillius, Piscator, Cocceius, Amama.
F26 Ad Nicoclem, p. 38.

Proverbs 27:6 In-Context

4 Cruel [is] wrath and overwhelming [is] anger, but who will stand before jealousy?

5 Better a rebuke that is open than a love that is hidden.

6 The wounds of a friend mean well, but the kisses of an enemy are profane.

7 An {appetite} that is sated spurns honey, but [to] an {appetite} that is ravenous, all bitterness [is] sweet.

8 Like a bird that strays from its nest, so is a man who strays from his place.