An Open Rebuke Is Better Than Hidden Love
God Disciplines Only Those He Loves
PROVERBS 27:5-6
“Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
”Proverbs 27:5-6 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.27.5-6.NKJ
V
A true friend will have the courage to tell someone what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear.
The truth can be painful at times, but there’s no future without it-it is the truth that shall set you free (JOHN 8:31-32).
Are you a true friend? Do you have the courage to say it how it is?
A friend who has your best interest at heart may give you right but unpleasant advice at times, but truly I tell you, deep down you know it is for your own good.
By contrast, a fake friend may whisper sweet words, those that you would prefer to hear; maybe those that justify your wrong actions, and happily send you on your way to ruin.
We tend to listen to what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear, even if it’s an enemy who says it.
The advice of a true friend is far more valuable than that of the person who can’t be bothered or doesn’t have the gumption to tell you the truth.
My brethren, God disciplines us in different ways, but we all need God’s discipline at times and we should receive it with praise and thanks; after all, He only disciplines those He loves (PROVERBS 3:11-12; HEBREWS 12:6).
My beloved say it with love as it is, and humbly receive it as it is, for however painful the truth may be, it shall set you free.
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
