The Faithful Wounds of a Friend - Proverbs 27:6

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “open rebuke is better than secret love”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse six of Proverbs Solomon said, “faithful are the wounds of a friend” where we read,

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

The verse begins, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend;” Solomon began with the words, “faithful are the wounds” or “supportive, confirming and upholding are the injuries, bruises or hurt” “of a friend” which means “from an intimate companion, neighbor or fellow-citizen”. Solomon said the bruises and hurts from an intimate companion are supportive and confirming. 

The verse goes on to say, “but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Solomon continued with the words, “but the kisses”or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the soft touching of the lips” “of an enemy” which means “from a hating adversary or foe” “are deceitful” or “exist as abundant, plentiful and crooked”. Solomon shared how the soft touching of the lips from a hating foe are excessive and crooked. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how the hurts given by an intimate companion confirm and support us, however, the excessive touching of the lips or “kisses” from an adversary who hates us are crooked and fallacious. Although the corrective words from our “friends” may sting at times, they actually help us, however, the flattering words of someone who despises us may lead us into trouble and difficulties. God loves us, and He will correct us when we need it. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of the hurtful words of our “friends” and the deception that is in the complementary words of our“enemies”.

Next time Solomon says, “the full soul loathes an honeycomb”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".