Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What seems like harsh criticism from a true friend is actually a faithful act, designed to heal and help you. In contrast, an enemy might shower you with pleasant words and false affection, but their kindness is overwhelming and insincere, meant to hide their true, harmful intentions.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb comes right after the verses about the value of open rebuke, urging us to seek it out. It then contrasts the painful but genuine correction from a true friend with the often insincere flattery from someone who doesn't have your best interests at heart. The point is to recognize that true care can sometimes sting, while superficial kindness can hide dangerous intentions.
Ever been hurt by someone you love? It stings, right? But what if that pain was actually a sign of deep care?
Proverbs 27:6 tells us 'Faithful are the wounds of a friend.' This isn't about casual insults; it's about the deep, sometimes painful, honesty a true friend offers.
What are 'Wounds' Here?
Think of it like a doctor giving you a painful injection to fight off a serious illness. It hurts, but it's essential for healing.
Imagine someone acting super friendly, showering you with compliments and affection, but you just don't trust them. Why?
The second part of the verse warns, 'profuse are the kisses of an enemy.' This contrasts sharply with the friend's 'wounds.'
What are These 'Kisses'?
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These gestures are superficial and dangerous. They promise warmth but deliver deception, potentially leading you into harm's way.
Understand the original words
ne'eman · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to someone who is loyal, trustworthy, and steadfast in character and commitment. Biblically, it describes those whose actions align with God's truth and covenantal love.
petza' · Hebrew Noun
Physical injuries or cuts caused by a weapon or object. In this context, it metaphorically refers to painful but necessary correction or honest criticism given for one's benefit.
rea' · Hebrew Noun
A person joined to another by mutual affection, trust, and intimacy. A true friend in Scripture is characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and the seeking of the other's moral and spiritual good.
oyev · Hebrew Noun
One who stands in opposition, personal enmity, or hostility toward another. Biblically, it often denotes someone who actively seeks the downfall or harm of another person.
This passage shows Peter, a friend, being rebuked by Paul for his hypocrisy, illustrating how a true friend's 'wounds' (correction) are meant for growth, even when difficult.
Psalm 141:5This verse directly echoes the sentiment, stating 'Let a righteous man strike me—that is kindness; let him rebuke me—that is excellent oil on my head!' This highlights the value of faithful correction over flattery.
2 Samuel 20:9-10Here, Joab's seemingly friendly greeting and question ('Are you well, my brother?') are a deceitful 'kiss' before he strikes Amasa, a clear example of an enemy's deceptive actions.
1 John 4:1This verse warns believers to 'test whether the spirits come from God,' which is a crucial principle when discerning whether the 'kisses' offered are genuine or from a deceptive source.
Luke 22:47-48Judas’s betrayal begins with a 'kiss' – the ultimate deceitful greeting from someone who was part of Jesus’s inner circle, powerfully illustrating the treachery hidden in an enemy's 'profuse kisses'.
pooleProverbs 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
Faithful are the wounds; they proceed from an upright, and truly loving, and faithful soul, and really promote the good of the person reproved. The wounds ; the sharpest reproofs, which for the present wound his spirit and reputation. The kisses; all the fair speeches and outward professions of friendship. Are deceitful; or, are to be deprecated ; are perfidious and pernicious, and such things as one…
gillProverbs 27:6: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful."
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,.... That is, friendly reproofs; which, though they may be severe, at least thought so, and may grieve and wound, and cause pain and uneasiness for the present, yet, proceeding from a spirit of love, faithfulness, and integrity, and designed for the good of the person reproved, ought to be kindly received; see Psalm 141:5 ; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful;…
What seems like harsh criticism from a true friend is actually a faithful act, designed to heal and help you. In contrast, an enemy might shower you with pleasant words and false affection, but their kindness is overwhelming and insincere, meant to hide their true, harmful intentions.
This proverb comes right after the verses about the value of open rebuke, urging us to seek it out. It then contrasts the painful but genuine correction from a true friend with the often insincere flattery from someone who doesn't have your best interests at heart. The point is to recognize that true care can sometimes sting, while superficial kindness can hide dangerous intentions.
This proverb comes right after the verses about the value of open rebuke, urging us to seek it out. It then contrasts the painful but genuine correction from a true friend with the often insincere flattery from someone who doesn't have your best interests at heart. The point is to recognize that true care can sometimes sting, while superficial kindness can hide dangerous intentions.
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." — What seems like harsh criticism from a true friend is actually a faithful act, designed to heal and help you. In contrast, an enemy might shower you with pleasant words and false affection, but their…
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Last reviewed October 2026