Two Key Ingredients

HIGHLIGHT: Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses an enemy.

EXPLAIN: The writer makes a deep comparison that most would think is backwards. However, the key is that a sincere friend is willing to wound their friend in sincerity. The reason is necessary and for the sake of the benefit of the friend that will be wounded.

The comparison is against the backdrop of the many kisses from an enemy. An enemy will either seek their own good or the demise of someone else. The kisses would be empty and self-serving of the enemy.

APPLY: Friendship elements are often seen as encouragement, loving, caring, and even spending time with each other. However, two other key elements are honesty and trust. These two elements must work together. Only with these two elements included in the reality of friendship is the friendship beneficial to both people.

Trust is built with time and honesty sprinkled in so that as people are honest, they are able to experience the value of trust.

The friendship between people needs encouragement and the ability to be honest for the sake of growth.

RESPONSE: Jesus, I know that you love me, and I'm thankful you love me to much to stay where I'm at in this stage of life. May your love be transformational in my life and teach me to live in the same way.