“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6
Devotional Thought For The Day
First, a matter of differing translations. In the latter part of the proverb the word translated “profuse” can mean either “abundant, plentiful” or “deceptive, deceitful.” The KJV chose the latter – which is obvious; an enemy who kisses obviously does so deceitfully. This of course is despicable, the very treachery of Judas. The ESV chose to translate “profuse,” and it is also often the case that enemies attempt to disarm us with all kinds of kindnesses: flattery, gifts, services, praise, and other acts of feigned “affection,” perhaps even “kisses.” The danger is obvious, and we’ve often noted that insofar as love “believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things,” love makes us vulnerable to the devious deceptions of people who are really our enemies. Once they are close to us and we are “disarmed,” they are able to strike us more deeply and effectively. Jesus warned about this dilemma that His disciples would face: “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” [Matt. 24:12] So we are stuck between the wisdom of this proverb and the warning of Jesus. We must take both into account and strike a balance, but to lose love would be the worst catastrophe we could suffer.
“The wounds of a friend” is a cheerier topic, for such chastisement, admonition, and correction are always consonant with love, intended for and working our greater good. However, they are still properly characterized as “wounds” – they sometimes hurt us greatly as they drive us to repentance, apologies, and to change. Some people would prefer the shallow, insincere, and deceitful flattery of “toadies,” but sooner or later great harm will come, and we are afforded no real good by falsely feeling better about ourselves. Instead, the proverb urges us to find and hold real friends – people who are genuine in their love for us, sincere and committed enough to offer us constructive criticism and strong advice, even if it seems unpleasant at the time. For among friends there is never any real danger; they will always have your back and protect you in the ways of real love. Just the opposite is the case with flatterers and enemies.
All of this applies to our own character as well. It is easier to speak kind words to others even if they are false, rather than to risk conflict and disharmony – and perhaps even the loss of a weak and superficial “friend.” And I suppose we are all capable of being devious enough to feign friendship and to get close enough to someone we despise so as to bring them down. This is very dark and horrific sin, obviously completely inconsonant with love and walking with Jesus. For such sin, even the temptation, and for weak lovelessness toward our friends, we must repent and rejoice in the cleansing blood of Jesus. And as He assures us of His perfect love for us and His perfect friendship, He will also be encouraging us to adopt His integrity and honesty, to work toward loving others even as He has loved us. If we do so, we become agents of great love and friendship to others, incapable of insidious deception and malice toward others. This will take a great deal of evil out of the world.
So as we reflect upon this proverb, let us do all that we can to take our place as sincere and genuine friends to others. Let us also be strong enough in God’s love and gracious mercy to have and hold friends that are true friends, who love us enough to admonish us when we really need it [rather than carping on our minor flaws]. May we beware of those who are “profuse” in their “kisses,” wise enough to discern the hypocrisy of enemies attempting to ingratiate themselves to us only to harm us. May God protect us – as we continue to love and to make ourselves vulnerable – from those enemies who are able to deceive us and who seek our destruction. Life is often strange and puzzling, under the influence and captivity of sin. Thankfully, God has given us wisdom to digest it. Even more, thankfully His love for us is without ambiguity or any deceit and we can always depend upon His friendship. And with His friendship all will ultimately turn out well for us!
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, our sin is wretched, both our weakness in love for friends and our treachery in dealing with enemies. Our vulnerability is great as Your gentle redeeming love moves us to greater care and compassion for others. Our budding love can also grow cold as others requite it with treachery and harm. Protect and preserve us in repentance, faith, and love. Work Your miracle of removing evil and producing greater good in us. Amen.