Proverbs 27:5

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Proverbs 27:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:5

Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.
] This is to be understood, not of rebuke publicly given; though Aben Ezra thinks public reproof is meant, which, arising from love, is better than that which is done in secret, though in love, as being more effectual; for rebuke among friends should be given privately, according to our Lord's direction, ( Matthew 18:15 ) ; but it signifies reproof given faithfully and plainly, with openness of heart, and without mincing the matter, and palliating the offence; but speaking out freely, and faithfully laying before a person the evil of his sin, in all the circumstances of it, as the Apostle Paul did to Peter, when he withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed, ( Galatians 2:11 ) . Now such kind of reproof is better than such love to a person as will not suffer him to tell him of his faults, for fear of grieving him, or losing his friendship; or than such love as does not show itself in deeds, and particularly in faithful reproofs; for so to act is to hate a person, and suffer sin to be upon him, ( Leviticus 19:17 ) .

Proverbs 27:5 In-Context

3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.

4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who is able to stand before jealousy?

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

6 Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

7 The sated appetite spurns honey, but to a ravenous appetite even the bitter is sweet.