Bible Strands
Proverbs 27:6
The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The book of Proverbs delivers wisdom teachings to learners seeking practical guidance. This verse occupies a poetic section that contrasts honest correction with deceptive flattery.
The words — The Hebrew פִּצְעֵי (pitz.'Ei) translates literally to "wounds of," while נֶ֭אֱמָנִים (Ne.'e.ma.nim) means "reliable." The text explicitly states that these wounds come from a lover, whereas the kisses of a hater are deceitful.
The thread — The theme of corrective rebuke as an expression of love appears in Psalms 141:5, where the psalmist welcomes the righteous man's striking as devotion. Revelation 3:19 and Job 5:17 similarly frame divine correction as discipline rather than hostility.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to accept honest criticism from those who care for them, even when it causes pain. It demands rejecting flattering words from those whose loyalty is conditional or hostile.
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
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Cross-references
- Psalms 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.
- Revelation 3:19 Those I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
- Job 5:17 Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
- Proverbs 26:23 Like glaze covering an earthen vessel are burning lips and a wicked heart.
- 2 Samuel 12:7 Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.
- Hebrews 12:10 Our fathers disciplined us for a short time as they thought best, but God disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness.
- 2 Samuel 20:9 “Are you well, my brother?” Joab asked Amasa. And with his right hand Joab grabbed Amasa by the beard to kiss him.
- Proverbs 10:18 The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.
- Matthew 26:48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The One I kiss is the man; arrest Him.”