Better is an open rebuke than a love that remains hidden. Trustworthy are the blows of a friend, dangerous, the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:5-6 NABRE
This Twenty-Seventh Chapter of the Book of Proverbs is attributed to Solomon. It includes many one line verses that could be considered character improvement advice. Do not boast about tomorrow; let others praise; who can stand before jealousy; words to challenge. The verses quoted today advise truthfulness. Better is an open rebuke than a love that remains hidden. You should be honest with a friend, tell them when you think they are wrong, making a mistake, following a bad path. Do it because of your love of the friend. Do not keep honesty from them, help them become better. If you are not willing to lose your friend for their benefit then what is your friendship worth? Don’t keep secrets from a loving friendship when knowing will help them become better. Always speak from your heart, leading with love. The second verse quoted addresses how we receive honesty from friends. Trustworthy are the blows of a friend, dangerous, the kisses of an enemy. When a friend has the courage to be honest, to give us a rebuke or a criticism let’s not be quick to defend or get angry. Trust your friends and learn from what they say. At the same time don’t be deceived by the flattery of someone who hardly knows you or is your enemy. Chances are their false flattery is only to gain your trust and deceive you later.
There is no better gift than a friend who will be honest with you when you need it. Receive their input with the love they intend. Also be a friend who cares so much for your friend that you will tell them the truth even if it means losing them. In all things speak from love and be kind.
What kind of friend are you, someone who likes peace at all cost or a friend who will challenge? How do you receive advice?
There is no better gift than a friend who will be honest with you when you need it. Receive their input with the love they intend. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus#christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#open#trust #love #proverbs#everybodyalways#god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion#biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse#verseoftheday #pray #prayer#goodnews#loveeachother #godisgreat#bocaraton#youversion #everythingalways