Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend | Morning Routine Daily Devotional for January 6

Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. — Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV)

The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings, general statements that are true. Most of the proverbs are attributed to King Solomon, the wisest man of his time (1 Kings 4:29-39). 

Today’s proverb details the importance of correction. Solomon says that it is better to rebuke someone openly than to spare someone’s feelings. The friend who corrects is a friend who has acted faithfully, a true friend. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend!” We have all felt the ‘wound’ of correction from someone we love! Conversely, the one who fails to rebuke is likened to an enemy. 

In today’s culture, correcting another is often seen as prideful and disrespectful. It’s possible to avoid correcting another out of fear of being misunderstood, of being unliked. Proverbs suggests the opposite—it is better to rebuke a friend than ignore their problems. As we begin this new year, consider how you can cultivate a culture in your relationships with others that welcomes correction—both giving it and receiving it. This may begin with inviting others to correct you—if they see anything in your life that concerns them regarding your love for God—and your witness to others. Pray that the Lord would help you receive truth, even when it hits close to home, and even when it’s uncomfortable. Faithful friends can both give and receive, even correction.  May you and I learn to be faithful friends!