Proverbs 27:6 kjv

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:6 nkjv

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:6 niv

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

Proverbs 27:6 esv

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:6 nlt

Wounds from a sincere friend
are better than many kisses from an enemy.

Proverbs 27 verses

Proverbs 27 6 Meaning

Proverbs 27:6 conveys a profound truth about the nature of true relationships and the deceptive tactics of foes. It states that the painful corrections or confrontations from a loyal friend are far more valuable and trustworthy than the abundant, seemingly affectionate gestures from an adversary. A genuine friend wounds for the purpose of betterment, while an enemy flatters to deceive and eventually harm.

Proverbs 27 6 Context

Proverbs 27 falls within a larger section (chapters 25-29) described as "other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of Hezekiah king of Judah copied." This chapter primarily focuses on characteristics of wise living, especially concerning relationships, reputation, and self-control. Verse 6 directly follows verse 5, which states, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love." Together, these two verses form a strong pair, emphasizing the virtue of sincere, even painful, truth in friendship over unexpressed affection or deceitful flattery. The cultural context of ancient Israel valued loyalty and direct communication, contrasting with the often circuitous and manipulative political practices seen in surrounding empires. The proverb serves as a guide for discerning true intentions and valuing honest communication over superficial pleasantries, crucial for navigating complex social dynamics and avoiding harm from false allies.

Proverbs 27 6 Word analysis

• Faithful (נֶאֱמָנִים - ne'emanim): From the root aman, meaning to be firm, reliable, trustworthy, stable, consistent. Here it means wounds that are delivered in truth and out of steadfast loyalty. Their intent is genuine, not malicious or capricious.
• Wounds (פֶצַע - petza): A cut, bruise, or laceration. It implies a direct impact that causes pain. Metaphorically, it refers to painful rebuke, correction, or confronting a friend with an uncomfortable truth. The pain is not an end in itself but a means to healing or improvement.
• Friend (אוֹהֵב - 'ohev): From the root 'ahav, to love. Literally, "one who loves." This signifies a person who acts out of genuine care and benevolence, whose ultimate motivation is the well-being of the other.
• Profuse/Numerous (וְנֶעְתָּר֥וֹת - v^ene'tarot): The Hebrew here implies "abundant," "many," "lavish," or "multiplied." It highlights the excessiveness or over-the-top nature of the kisses. The quantity suggests insincerity, as true affection rarely needs to be so ostentatious unless used as a mask.
• Kisses (נְשִׁיקוֹת - neshiqot): Plural for "kisses." A gesture traditionally associated with affection, respect, or reconciliation in the ancient Near East. The irony lies in this gesture, normally indicating love, being used by an enemy.
• Enemy (שׂוֹנֵא - sone'): From the root sana, to hate. Literally, "one who hates." This contrasts sharply with "friend" ('ohev). The enemy’s underlying disposition is malice, regardless of outward displays.

• Faithful are the wounds of a friend: This phrase emphasizes the paradox that painful truths from a trusted confidant are beneficial. The fidelity of the friend guarantees the good intention behind the corrective "wound." This type of "wound" is aimed at a positive outcome—correction, growth, or protection from error. It signifies tough love, driven by care, and therefore trustworthy.
• but profuse are the kisses of an enemy: This contrasting phrase highlights deception. An enemy's numerous and effusive expressions of affection are insincere. Their excessive nature makes them suspicious, masking ill will and potentially malicious intentions. Such "kisses" serve to lull one into a false sense of security, gain an advantage, or lead one astray, ultimately for their own harm. The emphasis is on the quantity and superficiality of the outward display that hides a hateful heart.

Proverbs 27 6 Bonus section

This proverb serves as a vital call for spiritual discernment, mirroring themes found throughout Scripture. The "wounds of a friend" align with the concept of "reproof" or "rebuke" which the Bible consistently portrays as beneficial when delivered and received wisely (Prov 9:8, Prov 15:31, Tit 2:15). God's own discipline is likened to a father's painful correction for a child's ultimate good (Heb 12:5-11). Conversely, the "kisses of an enemy" are archetypally embodied in Judas' betrayal of Jesus with a kiss (Matt 26:49), a seemingly intimate gesture used as a signal for capture and ultimate harm. This highlights how appearances can be utterly misleading. The proverb teaches that humility to receive correction is a mark of wisdom, while succumbing to flattery is a path to folly. It underscores the critical difference between discomfort that leads to growth and superficial comfort that leads to ruin.

Proverbs 27 6 Commentary

Proverbs 27:6 stands as a profound discernment principle for evaluating relationships. It champions the painful honesty of a true friend over the flattering deception of an enemy. A friend who truly cares will not hesitate to deliver uncomfortable truth when necessary, even if it "wounds," because their ultimate goal is the beloved's welfare. This directness, while difficult to receive, is a sign of faithful love. Conversely, an enemy, driven by malice, often cloaks their harmful intent with effusive praise and overwhelming displays of affection. These "kisses" are designed to manipulate, disarm, or exploit, rather than to genuinely uplift. The verse urges us to value sincere, albeit challenging, criticism and to be wary of excessive flattery, recognizing that outward appearance can betray internal motives. It teaches discernment: actions, especially those involving uncomfortable truth, often reveal true character more reliably than pleasing words.

Examples:

• A true friend telling you directly that your new business idea has fatal flaws, even if it stings.
• An manipulative competitor lavishly praising your work to distract you from their secret undermining.