Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

– Proverbs 27:6

Verse 6 continues from verse 5. Faithful wounds are the result of open rebuke, mentioned previously. The word for faithful means to build up or support and can express the nurturing relationship of parents to children. It may wound, or inflict some pain, but is ultimately out of love and for good. The word for deceitful means abundant and describes the profuse kisses of an enemy. The thought of deceit is present and contrasts with faithful. We infer from the saying that faithful wounds from a friend will be few because they are out of love and meant for good, while the enemies flatteries will be poured out. Wisdom warns to beware of flattery and weigh words carefully (Proverbs 2:16; 6:24; 7:5, 21; 10:18; 20:19; 26:23-26, 28; 29:5).

 


 

 

Proverbs 26:25

When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.

– Proverbs 26:25

This verse continues from the previous, so it is the hating man who speaketh fair. He uses gracious speech to mask what is within. In this case, seven abominations are concealed within. This could be a reference to the seven abominations of Proverbs 6:16-19, but more likely speaks of completion in the sense his heart is thoroughly abominable. Wisdom teaches to discern character and not judge merely by outward appearance, and warns against believing the fair sounding words.

 


 

 

Proverbs 26:24

He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

– Proverbs 26:24

Hatred is often the mark of an enemy. At least, it refers to one with ill intentions, or malicious designs. The word for dissembleth means to recognize. The English word means a false appearance. The malicious man disguises his evil intentions with the words of his mouth (Proverbs 12:5, 17, 20).

 


 

 

Proverbs 14:8

The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.
– Proverbs 14:8

Wisdom is to understand, which means to separate mentally. The prudent shows wisdom in examining his way. He considers well and chooses carefully his way (Proverbs 2:9; 14:15). The word for deceit means a fraud or treachery. This is the way of fools (Proverbs 11:18). They search for short-cuts and back doors. They are quick to use deceit to gain their ends, so they go in a false way.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 12:20

Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.
– Proverbs 12:20

Wisdom here considers the results, or by-products, of intentions for others. The word for imagine means to devise and evil is calamity or all sorts of bad. The gain from devising evil is deceit, or treachery. It refers to the state of mind of the one who devises evil. A counsellor is an adviser. The word for peace means well-being or general wholeness or welfare. So the counsellor is promoting peace and speaking peace to others. They gain joy, or happiness, as a result.

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 12:17

He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
– Proverbs 12:17

The word for righteousness means justice and along with the term false witness, this proverb has a legal connotation. Speaking truth reliably manifests or upholds justice (Proverbs 14:5, 25). So the thought here includes consistency or reliability in those who speak truth. A false witness is more than one who lies. Their lies or deceit through omission perverts justice (Proverbs 19:28; 24:28).

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series

Proverbs 12:5

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.
– Proverbs 12:5

The principle in this proverbs was expressed by Jesus in terms of a tree bearing fruit only according to its type (Matthew 7:17-19). The word for thoughts means plans or intentions. The intentions of the righteous are the fruit they produce, which fruit is right. The word for counsels literally means steerage and indicates guidance or advice. These are the fruit produced by the wicked and, therefore, they are deceit, or treachery. Kidner observed that we ignore this proverb when we elect leaders based “on the strength of their promises rather than their principles.”

Listen to the Proverbs sermon series