Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
The wounds of a friend are honest rebuke and reproof that may hurt and feel painful, yet are faithful and trustworthy. They are given in love in order to heal, and a warning should speak hope. Those who frankly point out errors and warn of danger act as true friends, even when their words are unwelcome.
The kisses of an enemy are deceptive, pleasing words and flattering praise or apparent kindness, including flattering silence that conceals wrongdoing, and are not genuine loyalty. Honest reproof is more valuable than flattering praise and is to be prized above flattery.
Correction of those who are tempted and have done wrong must not be harsh or despairing, but loving and hopeful. It is to be given with patience, sympathy, tenderness, and forgiving love.
The wounds of a friend are honest rebuke and reproof that may hurt and feel painful, yet are faithful and trustworthy. They are given in love in order to heal, and a warning should speak hope. Those who frankly point out errors and warn of danger act as true friends, even when their words are unwelcome.
The kisses of an enemy are deceptive, pleasing words and flattering praise or apparent kindness, including flattering silence that conceals wrongdoing, and are not genuine loyalty. Honest reproof is more valuable than flattering praise and is to be prized above flattery.
Correction of those who are tempted and have done wrong must not be harsh or despairing, but loving and hopeful. It is to be given with patience, sympathy, tenderness, and forgiving love.