Proverbs 27:6

Posted by on December 14, 2018 · Leave a Comment 

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).

 

 

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Proverbs 24:17

Posted by on June 2, 2018 · Leave a Comment 

Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:
– Proverbs 24:17

Verses 17-18 form a saying warning against taking pleasure in the adversities of your enemy. The word for enemy means a foe, or adversary. It is expressed in terms of a personal enemy. Falling and stumbling refer to falling down and tottering, but they figuratively express the experience of calamity or adversity. The word for rejoice means to brighten and the word for glad means to rejoice, or cheer up. The first part of this saying warns against gloating over your opponent, or taking delight in their downfalls. The traditional rabbinical teaching was to love your neighbor but hate your enemy (Matthew 5:43). Of course, Jesus corrected this wrong interpretation of the law (Matthew 5:44-48).

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