Choosing Truth Over Flattery
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)
No one wants to make a mistake that hurts a friend, but true friendship is built on honesty, trust, and grace. A real friend may wound you with the truth, but their intention is for your good. In contrast, an enemy may offer flattering words or false kindness, yet their motives are deceptive.
Mistakes happen, and at times, even our best intentions can cause pain. However, a true friend understands, forgives, and remains by your side. They know that love sometimes corrects, and wisdom sometimes stings. In those moments, we must ask ourselves: are we valuing truth over comfort? And are we willing to accept the wounds of a friend rather than the empty kisses of an enemy?
Reflective Questions:
1. Have you ever been corrected by a friend in a way that was painful but ultimately helpful?
2. How do you respond when a friend speaks truth to you, even if it’s hard to hear?
3. Are you willing to be a friend who speaks truth in love, even when it’s difficult?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of true friendship. Help me to value honesty over empty flattery and to accept correction with humility. Give me the wisdom to speak truth in love and the grace to receive it when needed. Let my friendships be built on trust, kindness, and a desire to grow in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you for reading. God bless you!
All Scripture in Steps Towards Eternity Daily Devotional is from the King James Bible. (KJV)
Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES VERSION, public domain in The United States. Pathway365 is based in the United States and is governed by its laws. Outside of the United States, you’ll need to check the copyright laws in your country before use.
Scripture quotations from The Authorized (King James) Version. Rights in the Authorized Version in the United Kingdom are vested in the Crown. Reproduced by permission of the Crown’s patentee, Cambridge University Press