Meditations at the Mercy Seat Proverbs 27:5-9 Dealing With People, Part 1

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Proverbs 27:5–9

[5] Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

[6] Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

[7] One who is full loathes honey,

but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.

[8] Like a bird that strays from its nest

is a man who strays from his home.

[9] Oil and perfume make the heart glad,

and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (ESV)

Dealing With People, Part 1

v.5 At first, this proverb seems to be the opposite of what you would think. "Hidden love" means love that is inactive and unexpressed, which is not genuine love. True love is active and corrects incorrect behavior, like a parent disciplining a child, a sibling calling out unacceptable behavior, or rebuking a family member for straying from the faith where they were once faithful. Such correction is more loving and helpful than ignoring it, even though the one corrected may not see it as such at the time. See also Matthew 18:15-22; Luke 17:3; Galatians 5:6 & 6:1.

v.6 This verse builds on the concept of love from verse five. Correction that has love as its origin is "faithful" because it is more effective than correction that originates only from a position of anger or resentment. If they are Wise, the one receiving such correction will eventually discern that the correction is motivated by love, which always seeks the best for others. God's Law tells us His demands for our conduct but only accuses and condemns us. Only the Gospel delivers God's grace, love, and healing (Deuteronomy 32:39; Hosea 6:1-3; Job 5:18; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). Contrast this with the profuse kisses of an enemy, which is false love, like the kiss of Judas which betrayed Christ (Luke 22:47-48).

v.7 One who believes they have everything has no motivation, even with the promise of a sweet reward, like a full person will not want a spoonful of honey. A person who senses a lack or need in their life will be motivated to find any fulfillment of it.

v.8 This proverb compares a lost bird who does not have a safe roost because it has flown far from its nest to one who strays from the home God has provided him. He may find himself lost and vulnerable in a sinful world. Those who wander from God's house may be attacked by sin and the devil with no Law leading them to repentance, nor will they hear the Gospel that strengthens and forgives (Psalm 122:1; Acts 2:41-47; Hebrews 10:25).

v.9 Olive oil makes food cooked with it taste better and is used to light a dark place. The smell of incense is appealing and lifts the spirit. Likewise, the counsel of a wise friend is welcome when one's self-advice is in doubt.