Proverbs 27:6
New International Version
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

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

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

Berean Standard Bible
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

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

New King James Version
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

New American Standard Bible
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

NASB 1995
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

NASB 1977
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.

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

Amplified Bible
Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].

Christian Standard Bible
The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

American Standard Version
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Contemporary English Version
You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies.

English Revised Version
Faithful are the wounds of a friend: but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, but an enemy's kisses are too much to bear.

Good News Translation
Friends mean well, even when they hurt you. But when an enemy puts his arm around your shoulder--watch out!

International Standard Version
Wounds from someone who loves are trustworthy, but kisses from an enemy speak volumes.

Majority Standard Bible
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

NET Bible
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

New Heart English Bible
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Webster's Bible Translation
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

World English Bible
The wounds of a friend are faithful, although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
The wounds of a lover are faithful, "" And the kisses of an enemy [are] abundant.

Young's Literal Translation
Faithful are the wounds of a lover, And abundant the kisses of an enemy.

Smith's Literal Translation
Faithful the wounds of a friend; and abundant the kisses of an enemy.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Better are the wounds of a friend, than the deceitful kisses of an enemy.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The wounds of a loved one are better than the deceitful kisses of a hateful one.

New American Bible
Trustworthy are the blows of a friend, dangerous, the kisses of an enemy.

New Revised Standard Version
Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Better are the wounds of a friend than the kisses of an enemy.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are importunate.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The wounds of a friend are more to be trusted than the spontaneous kisses of an enemy.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Do not Boast about Tomorrow
5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.…

Cross References
Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

Proverbs 28:23
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

Proverbs 9:8
Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

Proverbs 25:12
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.

Proverbs 19:25
Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.

Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.

Proverbs 20:30
Lashes and wounds scour evil, and beatings cleanse the inmost parts.

Proverbs 15:31-32
He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. / He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

Proverbs 13:18
Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.

Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,


Treasury of Scripture

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

the wounds

2 Samuel 12:7
And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;

Job 5:17,18
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: …

Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

the kisses

Proverbs 10:18
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.

Proverbs 26:23-26
Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross…

2 Samuel 20:9,10
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him…

deceitful or earnest

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Abundant Although Deceitful Enemy Faith Faithful False. Friend Good Hater Kisses Lover Multiplies Trusted Wounds
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Abundant Although Deceitful Enemy Faith Faithful False. Friend Good Hater Kisses Lover Multiplies Trusted Wounds
Proverbs 27
1. observations of self love
5. of true love
11. of care to avoid offenses
23. and of the household care














The wounds of a friend are faithful
This 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 1 John 4:1.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally 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. Friends
In 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. Enemies
Those who may appear friendly or flattering but have ulterior motives and do not have our best interests at heart.

4. Ancient Israel
The cultural and historical backdrop of Proverbs, where community and relationships were central to daily life.

5. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs 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 Feedback
True friends are willing to offer constructive criticism, even if it is painful, because they care about our growth and well-being.

Discernment in Relationships
We must be discerning about who we allow to influence us, recognizing that not all who flatter us have our best interests at heart.

Embracing Correction
As believers, we should welcome correction from those who love us, understanding that it is a tool for our spiritual and personal growth.

Guarding Against Flattery
Be cautious of those who offer excessive praise or flattery, as it may be a sign of deceit or manipulation.

Building Trustworthy Friendships
Cultivate relationships with those who are willing to speak the truth in love, and strive to be that kind of friend to others.(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 wounds
פִּצְעֵ֣י (piṣ·‘ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6482: A bruise, wound

of a friend
אוֹהֵ֑ב (’ō·w·hêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

are faithful,
נֶ֭אֱמָנִים (ne·’ĕ·mā·nîm)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

but the kisses
נְשִׁיק֥וֹת (nə·šî·qō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5390: A kiss

of an enemy
שׂוֹנֵֽא׃ (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)
Proverbs 27:5
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