Why are "an enemy's kisses" considered deceitful according to Proverbs 27:6? The Verse in Focus “ The wounds of a friend are faithful, but an enemy’s kisses are deceitful.” – Proverbs 27:6 Understanding “Enemy’s Kisses” • “Kisses” picture gestures of affection or praise. • When they come from an enemy, those gestures mask hostility. • Deceitful means they are intentionally misleading—appearing kind while hiding harmful intent. • The verse states this as a matter-of-fact reality, alerting us to take such flattery seriously. Biblical Illustrations of Deceptive Kisses • Judas Iscariot: “But Jesus asked him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’ ” (Luke 22:48) – Judas’s greeting looked loyal yet delivered treachery. • Absalom’s charm: He “kissed” the Israelites to steal their hearts and plot against David (2 Samuel 15:5–6). • Joab’s approach: He “took Amasa by the beard to kiss him,” then killed him (2 Samuel 20:9-10). Contrasting Faithful Wounds • A true friend may “wound” with honest words that convict or correct (cf. Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 12:11). • Those wounds are “faithful”—they spring from loyal love and aim at our good. • Unlike the enemy’s kiss, they are direct, transparent, and ultimately life-giving (Psalm 141:5). Why the Kisses Are Deceitful • They disguise danger: flattering lips conceal hateful hearts (Proverbs 26:24-26). • They enslave the unsuspecting: “A flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28). • They invert reality: evil appears good, leading victims to lower their guard (Isaiah 5:20). • They oppose God’s call to truth, making falsehood look virtuous (Psalm 55:21). Signs of Deceptive Affection • Flattery without substance (Proverbs 29:5). • Consistent avoidance of accountability or correction. • Praise that arrives only when personal gain is at stake. • A record of betrayal masked by charming speech (James 3:14). Wisdom for Daily Life • Test words and actions against Scripture’s standard of truth (Acts 17:11). • Welcome honest reproof from godly friends; it protects and refines. • Discern motives by observing long-term fruit, not momentary charm (Matthew 7:16-20). • Guard your own tongue: choose faithful honesty over flattering deception (Ephesians 4:25). |
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