Proverbs 27:6

6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Proverbs 27:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 The wounds from a lover are worth it; kisses from an enemy do you in.
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, but an enemy's kisses are too much to bear.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted. But an enemy kisses you many times.

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.''


FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 27:6 In-Context

4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.
7 One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.
8 Like a bird that flees its nest is anyone who flees from home.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Psalms 141:5; Proverbs 28:23
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