Proverbs 27:5

5 It is better to correct someone openly than to have love and not show it.

Proverbs 27:5 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 27:5

Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.
] This is to be understood, not of rebuke publicly given; though Aben Ezra thinks public reproof is meant, which, arising from love, is better than that which is done in secret, though in love, as being more effectual; for rebuke among friends should be given privately, according to our Lord's direction, ( Matthew 18:15 ) ; but it signifies reproof given faithfully and plainly, with openness of heart, and without mincing the matter, and palliating the offence; but speaking out freely, and faithfully laying before a person the evil of his sin, in all the circumstances of it, as the Apostle Paul did to Peter, when he withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed, ( Galatians 2:11 ) . Now such kind of reproof is better than such love to a person as will not suffer him to tell him of his faults, for fear of grieving him, or losing his friendship; or than such love as does not show itself in deeds, and particularly in faithful reproofs; for so to act is to hate a person, and suffer sin to be upon him, ( Leviticus 19:17 ) .

Proverbs 27:5 In-Context

3 Stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a complaining fool is worse than either.

4 Anger is cruel and destroys like a flood, but no one can put up with jealousy!

5 It is better to correct someone openly than to have love and not show it.

6 The slap of a friend can be trusted to help you, but the kisses of an enemy are nothing but lies.

7 When you are full, not even honey tastes good, but when you are hungry, even something bitter tastes sweet.