What does it mean that “faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6)?

Answer

The term “tough love” may have been coined in recent years, but the concept has existed since biblical times. Merriam-Webster defines tough love as “love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior.” Proverbs 27:5–6 describes tough love as follows: “Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (NKJV).

“Open rebuke” refers to confronting someone’s misbehavior frankly and truthfully. It may come across as harsh or hurtful to the recipient, but when the intention is to enhance another person’s well-being and assist in changing their behavior, the underlying motivation is love. “Wounds made by a friend are intended to help,” as stated in God’s Word Translation.

A true friend will not shy away from the truth. They will be honest and communicate what needs to be said, even if it is painful. The criticisms or straightforward words of a true friend are faithful because they stem from a relationship characterized by loyalty, sincerity, trustworthiness, and authenticity. We can depend on a friend who genuinely cares and does not conceal their true feelings. “You can trust a friend who corrects you,” according to the Contemporary English Version.

The apostle Paul urged the Ephesians to “speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church” «but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: », (Ephesians 4:15, NLT). If we are afraid of offending a fellow believer, we are not demonstrating love as Christ does for us. The Lord affirms, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” «As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. », (Revelation 3:19, KJV).

(Revelation 3:19).

David understood that the wounds of a friend are faithful, and he welcomed open reproof from the godly: “Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it” «Let the righteous smite me; It shall be a kindness: And let him reprove me; It shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. », (Psalm 141:5). Sometimes, to get well, we have to take our medicine in the form of a godly rebuke. A faithful friend dares to correct what is wrong, and a wise person is courageous enough to receive correction from a trustworthy friend. “Rebuke the wise and they will love you,” says Proverbs 9:8.

The Bible teaches us to administer correction wisely and always with love as the principal motive. When false teachers threatened the early church, Paul instructed Timothy to “charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-5; ESV; see also 2 Corinthians 10:1).

Tough love can be bold and firm and still accompanied by gentleness and kindness. Paul said, “But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7; ESV; cf: 2 Corinthians 10:1). He urged the Galatians, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path” «Brethren

, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. », (Galatians 6:1, NLT). Paul taught Timothy to “gently instruct those who oppose the truth” «in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God perhaps will grant them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; », (2 Timothy 2:25). Jesus, who is our ultimate example, said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart” «Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. », (Matthew 11:29).

The wounds of a friend are faithful when they are delivered honestly and earnestly in love. To humbly receive such a painful rebuke is an honor and a blessing. By helping turn a friend back onto the right path, these wounds become a healing balm like medicine to a sick soul.