Proverbs 27:1-14
Better is open rebuke
Proverbs 27:5-6
than hidden love.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
How well do you take constructive criticism? How about open rebuke? Do you honestly evaluate critical words to see whether they have merit, whether there is any truth in them? Or do you tend to reject reproofs outright? How we respond to reproof says a lot about our inner condition, whether we find our identity in Christ or whether we are driven by fear and insecurity.
I think it is safe to say that most of us prefer kisses over wounds, but how good are we at interpreting them? Do we recognize the love and faithfulness behind words warning against sin or foolishness? Or do we just hear condemnation? Are we wooed by flattery? Or do we anchor ourselves to truth?
Of course, there is also the other side of relationships; that is, are you that friend who might dare to wound? Or are you an enemy providing kisses? Or do you simply offer hidden love?
It takes courage to speak up against folly or unrighteousness, knowing that your words might sting a friend. And it takes courage and humility to hear that truth. But that is what we are called to do, both to speak the truth, and to hear the truth, especially when it hurts.