The wounds of a friend are faithfulThis phrase highlights the value of honest and constructive criticism from a true friend. In biblical context, friendship is often portrayed as a covenant relationship, akin to the bond between David and Jonathan (
1 Samuel 18:1-4). The "wounds" refer to the painful but necessary truths that a friend might share for one's betterment. This aligns with the biblical principle of iron sharpening iron (
Proverbs 27:17), emphasizing growth through mutual accountability. Historically, the concept of friendship in ancient Near Eastern cultures involved loyalty and truthfulness, often requiring difficult conversations for the sake of the other's well-being. This phrase also reflects the nature of Jesus Christ, who, as a friend to His disciples, spoke truth even when it was hard to hear (
John 15:15).
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful
This part contrasts the genuine, albeit painful, actions of a friend with the insincere gestures of an enemy. The "kisses" symbolize false affection or flattery, reminiscent of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49). In the cultural context of the Bible, a kiss was a common greeting or sign of respect, making Judas's act particularly treacherous. This phrase warns against superficial relationships and the danger of being misled by those who do not have one's best interests at heart. It underscores the biblical theme of discernment, urging believers to look beyond outward appearances and recognize true intentions, as advised in 1John 4:1.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
FriendsIn the context of this verse, friends are those who genuinely care for our well-being and are willing to offer constructive criticism or correction.
3.
EnemiesThose who may appear friendly or flattering but have ulterior motives and do not have our best interests at heart.
4.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where community and relationships were central to daily life.
5.
Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Value of Honest FeedbackTrue friends are willing to offer constructive criticism, even if it is painful, because they care about our growth and well-being.
Discernment in RelationshipsWe must be discerning about who we allow to influence us, recognizing that not all who flatter us have our best interests at heart.
Embracing CorrectionAs believers, we should welcome correction from those who love us, understanding that it is a tool for our spiritual and personal growth.
Guarding Against FlatteryBe cautious of those who offer excessive praise or flattery, as it may be a sign of deceit or manipulation.
Building Trustworthy FriendshipsCultivate relationships with those who are willing to speak the truth in love, and strive to be that kind of friend to others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 27:6?
2.How can we discern "wounds from a friend" in our daily relationships?
3.Why are "an enemy's kisses" considered deceitful according to Proverbs 27:6?
4.How does Proverbs 27:6 connect with Jesus' teachings on true friendship?
5.What steps can we take to value honest feedback from loved ones?
6.How can Proverbs 27:6 guide us in choosing trustworthy friends?
7.What does Proverbs 27:6 mean by "wounds from a friend"?
8.How can "faithful are the wounds of a friend" be applied in modern relationships?
9.Why does Proverbs 27:6 contrast "wounds" with "kisses"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 27?
11.What is the meaning of Proverbs 27:6?
12.Is love ever considered rude?
13.Psalm 141:5 – Why would a “strike” or rebuke from the righteous be considered a kindness, when other biblical passages seem to discourage violence?
14.Galatians 2:11 – What does the lack of a recorded response from Peter after Paul’s public rebuke suggest about possible missing historical details or inconsistencies in the text?What Does Proverbs 27:6 Mean
The wounds of a friend are faithful“The wounds of a friend are faithful” sounds startling, yet it highlights that genuine friendship values truth over comfort.
• A real friend loves you enough to confront sin, blind spots, or foolish choices even when it stings (Proverbs 27:17;Galatians 6:1).
• David trusted Nathan’s painful rebuke because it saved him from deeper ruin (2 Samuel 12:7-13).
• The psalmist welcomes such honesty: “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness” (Psalm 141:5).
When correction comes from someone who consistently seeks your good, you can receive it as an act of covenant love, confident that the wound is a surgical cut meant to heal, not a random blow meant to harm.
but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful“Kisses” suggest affection, praise, or flattery—but here they hide hostile intent.
• Judas greeting Jesus with a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49) perfectly illustrates polished treachery.
• Absalom stole Israel’s hearts by embracing and flattering citizens at the gate while plotting against his father (2 Samuel 15:5-6).
• Proverbs warns that smooth lips can conceal a malicious heart (Proverbs 26:23-25;Luke 6:26).
An enemy’s compliments feel pleasant, yet they lull the unwary into vulnerability. Unlike a friend’s hard truth that safeguards, false praise manipulates for selfish gain.
summaryProverbs 27:6 contrasts helpful hurt with harmful sweetness. A faithful friend’s painful honesty protects and matures us; an enemy’s flattering affection masks danger. Seek companions who will speak truth in love, and be that kind of friend yourself, trusting that God uses faithful wounds to refine His people.
(6)
Faithful are the wounds of a friend--i.e.,the "open rebuke" of the previous verse, the "smiting" and "reproof" of
Psalm 142:5.
The kisses of an enemy are deceitful.--Rather,plentiful,showered upon one, but all meaningless.
Verse 6. -
Faithful are the wounds of friend. This and the next verse afford examples of the antithetic form of proverb, where the second line gives, as it were, the reverse side of the picture presented by the first. The wounds which a real friend inflicts by his just rebukes are directed by truth and discriminating affection (see
Psalm 141:5).
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. So St. Jerome,
Fraudulenta oscula odientis. But the verb here used (
עתר) has the meaning, among others, "to be abundant or frequent;" hence it is better to take it in this sense here, as "plentiful, profuse." An enemy is lavish with his Judas kisses to hide his perfidy and hatred. Septuagint, "More to be trusted are the wounds of a friend than the spontaneous (
ἑκούσια) kisses of an enemy." "Non omnis qui parcia," wrote St. Augustine ('Ep.,' 48, 'ad Vincent.'), "amicus est, neque omnis qui verberat, inimicus."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The woundsפִּצְעֵ֣י(piṣ·‘ê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6482:A bruise, woundof a friendאוֹהֵ֑ב(’ō·w·hêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 157:To have affection fare faithful,נֶ֭אֱמָנִים(ne·’ĕ·mā·nîm)Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 539:To confirm, supportbut the kissesנְשִׁיק֥וֹת(nə·šî·qō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5390:A kissof an enemyשׂוֹנֵֽא׃(śō·w·nê)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8130:To hate[are] deceitful.וְ֝נַעְתָּר֗וֹת(wə·na‘·tā·rō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 6280:To be, abundant
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend (Prov. Pro Pr) 
