Proverbs 27:5-6

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 27:5-6

Note, 1. It is good for us to be reproved, and told of our faults, by our friends. If true love in the heart has but zeal and courage enough to show itself in dealing plainly with our friends, and reproving them for what they say and do amiss, this is really better, not only than secret hatred (as Lev. 19:17), but than secret love, that love to our neighbours which does not show itself in this good fruit, which compliments them in their sins, to the prejudice of their souls. Faithful are the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:5

Open rebuke is better than secret love. This is to be understood, not of rebuke publicly given; though Aben Ezra thinks public reproof is meant, which, arising from love, is better than that which is done in secret, though in love, as being more effectual; for rebuke among friends should be given privately, according to our Lord's direction, Matthew 18:15 ; but it signifies reproof given faithfully and plainly, with openness of heart, and without mincing the matter, and palliating the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend ,.... That is, friendly reproofs; which, though they may be severe, at least thought so, and may grieve and wound, and cause pain and uneasiness for the present, yet, proceeding from a spirit of love, faithfulness, and integrity, and designed for the good of the person reproved, ought to be kindly received; see Psalm 141:5 ; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful ; flow from a deceitful heart, and not to be confided in, as the kisses of Joab... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:5

Open rebuke is better than secret love - Plutarch gives an account of a man who, aiming a blow at his enemy's life, cut open an imposthume, which by a salutary discharge saved his life, that was sinking under a disease for which a remedy could not be found. Partial friendship covers faults; envy, malice, and revenge, will exhibit, heighten, and even multiply them. The former conceals us from ourselves; the latter shows us the worst part of our character. Thus we are taught the necessity of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:1-6

These verses are grouped in pairs, each two being connected in subject. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:1-6

Beastliness, jealousy, and hypocrisy I. OVER CONFIDENCE REBUKED . ( Proverbs 27:1 .) 1 . On the ground of our limited knowledge. The homely proverb says, "Do not count your chickens before they are hatched." The future exists for us only in imagination. "Who knows," asks Horace, "whether the gods above will add tomorrow's time to the sum of today?" ('Od.,' Proverbs 4:7 . 17); and Seneca, "None hath gods so favourable as that he may promise himself tomorrow's good." 2 . On... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:2-21

The praise of man How far we should go in praising others, and in what spirit we should accept their praise, is a matter of no small importance in the conduct of life. I. THE DUTY OF PRAISING OTHERS . "Let another man praise thee" can hardly be said to be imperative so far as he is concerned. But it suggests the propriety of another man speaking in words of commendation. And the duty of praising those who have done well is a much-forgotten and neglected virtue. I. It is the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:5

Open rebuke is better than secret love. Love that is hidden and never discloses itself in acts of self-denial or generosity, especially that which from fear of offending does not rebuke a friend, nor speak the truth in love ( Ephesians 4:15 ), when there is good reason for such openness—such disguised love is worse, more objectionable, less beneficial, than the plain speaking which bravely censures a fault, and dares to correct what is wrong by well-timed blame. To hold back blame, it... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:5-19

Four services of friendship (And see homily on "Friendship," Proverbs 13:20 .) We have suggested in the nineteenth verse two conditions of friendship: There can be no true friendship where one heart does not answer to another as the face reflected from a mirror answers to that which is before it. Men must be like minded in their principles and sympathies; and they must be sensitive enough to feel with one another and to give back the thoughts which are expressed by one or the other,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:6

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 Psalms 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... read more

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