“True friendship sometimes means saying what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 26, 2025
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6, ESV
“Pop, you are fat!” Sometimes grandchildren speak without a filter; they “see and say” whatever comes to mind. But just to clarify, Lucy’s idea of fat and mine are different, ha! Still, her words prompted me to take action—something I had been thinking about but needed a gentle reminder from someone who loves me—a slight sting to motivate me to eat less junk and more wholesome foods to stay healthy. My exercise efforts, without eating wisely, don’t lead to the best results. I already see my weight decreasing to a sustainable level, thanks to my honest little girl. But I’m still working on not looking fat to a five-year-old!
Proverbs 27:6 gets to the core of the struggle between honesty and flattery. Solomon, discussing the complexities of human relationships, drops this truth about friendship that still resonates today: the people who hurt you often care for you more than those who constantly flatter you. The Hebrew word here is intriguing. “Faithful” doesn’t just mean loyal—it refers to the kind of trustworthiness that you can rely on completely. These aren’t random injuries from someone having a bad day. These are precise strikes from someone who knows you well enough to see what needs fixing and cares enough to risk your friendship to help you grow.
Meanwhile, those “profuse kisses”—the word suggests something overwhelming, almost suffocating. Think of that person who’s always telling you what you want to hear, whose praise feels a little too abundant and a little too convenient. The compelling truth of this proverb is how it flips our natural instincts. We run toward sweet words and away from hard ones. But wisdom says: pause. Ask yourself who’s really in your corner—the one making you feel good or the one helping you become good? And are you a friend who “sees and says,” speaks up with hard truth?
Who are your friends? The one who tells you that your drinking problem is getting serious versus the one who keeps buying you shots. The mentor who points out your work needs improvement versus the colleague who says everything you do is perfect, while you stagnate. The friend who lovingly confronts your gossip habit versus the one who eagerly joins in spreading rumors. Are you a “see and say” friend? Do you speak up when your friend’s marriage is clearly struggling, or do you stay silent to avoid awkwardness? When you see destructive patterns—overspending, toxic relationships, pride—do you risk the conversation, or do you choose comfortable silence? True friendship sometimes means saying what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. Wounds hurt, but when cared for, they heal and grow stronger. Grace and truth grow us.
Most of all, pay attention to what the Lord shows you and act on His insights into your life. His only goal is what is best for you. The Spirit sees what you miss—opportunities disguised as interruptions, growth hidden in challenges, purpose buried beneath your own plans. His perspective goes beyond your limited view. Beneath the surface, there may be sin that needs to be removed. Unlike others with competing agendas, God’s only motivation is your well-being. He notices doors you’ve overlooked, gifts you’ve undervalued, and paths leading to joy you never imagined. His vision for your life exceeds your wildest dreams. Look to Christ’s example and speak aloud how He wants you to live like Him!
Prayer
Lord, give me courage to speak truth in love with gentleness, and humility to listen when truth is spoken to me. Shape my heart to build others up in Christlike grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What do you see in another friend that compels you to say out loud to him in love?
Related Reading
Proverbs 27:5-6; Zechariah 8:16; Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:6
Worship Resource
Teddy Swims ft. CeCe Winans: I Lay It Down
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