A friend's wounds are faithful, while an enemy's kisses deceive.
The contrast made in the previous verse is further developed in Proverbs 27:6: Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (v. 6). The contrast is sharp.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend. The friend's painful word, his sharp correction, his unflattering observation, may wound the hearer. The wounds are faithful, meaning they are reliable, honest, and given for the hearer's good. The friend has paid the relational cost to tell the truth.
Deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. The enemy's smooth affection, his greeting kiss, his complimentary words, are designed to deceive. He is not loving; he is positioning. Judas kissed Jesus to betray him (Luke 22:48). The verse warns the wise man to weigh wounds and kisses by their source. A friend's wound serves him; an enemy's kiss harms him.
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Proverbs 27:6 meaning
The contrast made in the previous verse is further developed in Proverbs 27:6: Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy (v. 6). The contrast is sharp.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend. The friend's painful word, his sharp correction, his unflattering observation, may wound the hearer. The wounds are faithful, meaning they are reliable, honest, and given for the hearer's good. The friend has paid the relational cost to tell the truth.
Deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. The enemy's smooth affection, his greeting kiss, his complimentary words, are designed to deceive. He is not loving; he is positioning. Judas kissed Jesus to betray him (Luke 22:48). The verse warns the wise man to weigh wounds and kisses by their source. A friend's wound serves him; an enemy's kiss harms him.