Bible Strands
Proverbs 27:5
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The text is a wisdom maxim from the Book of Proverbs, presenting a general principle rather than addressing a specific speaker, audience, or historical moment.
The words — The Hebrew contrasts תּוֹכַ֣חַת (to.Kha.chat, rebuke) described as מְגֻלָּ֑ה (me.gu.Lah, uncovered) with מֵֽ/אַהֲבָ֥ה (me./'a.ha.Vah, love) that is מְסֻתָּֽרֶת (me.su.Ta.ret, hidden).
The thread — The text's preference for direct correction parallels Proverbs 28:23, which notes that a rebuker gains favor over a flatterer, and aligns with 1 Timothy 5:20 and Galatians 2:14, which both record instances of necessary public confrontation.
Why it lands — The verse asserts that visible correction holds greater value than affectionate silence, requiring the reader to choose truthful accountability over the preservation of hidden harmony.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
- 1 Timothy 5:20 But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin.
- Galatians 2:14 When I saw that they were not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
- 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.
- Leviticus 19:17 You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him.