July 9, 2017 (Proverbs 27:6)

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov 27:6). This proverb is worded somewhat differently in a translation other than  NKJV, but with the same basic meaning: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (NIV). The basic underlying message of the proverb is something which under the relationship between two believers in Christ should generally apply. Those who are under the shed blood of Christ in a saving relationship should be able to lovingly correct a fellow believer over a matter which is not bringing honor and glory to their Lord and Savior. And in contrast, one should be discerning about the motives of those who’d offer flattery if not undue praise. However, the enemy has his ways of corrupting what should be honest non-condemning exchanges of thoughts. Spirit of rejection and being unloved are feverishly at work among believers, causing many to be inordinately sensitive to any type of rebuke or correction whatsoever, even when done in the gentlest fashion. The sweetest of friendships can be damaged when “wounds of a friend” are not received in the manner intended. As a result, the honor of the One who died for all of our faults and sins is not being upheld.