Proverbs 27:5
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Original Language Analysis
ט֭וֹבָה
is better
H2896
ט֭וֹבָה
is better
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
1 of 5
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
rebuke
H8433
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
rebuke
Strong's:
H8433
Word #:
2 of 5
chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defense)
Cross References
Proverbs 28:23He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.1 Timothy 5:20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.Galatians 2:14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?Matthew 18:15Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.Leviticus 19:17Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
Historical Context
Israel's covenant community required mutual accountability. Love expressed through corrective rebuke protected individuals and community from sin's spread. Leviticus 19:17 commands, 'thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour.'
Questions for Reflection
- Do you love people enough to rebuke them when necessary, or do you hide behind 'niceness'?
- How do you receive rebuke from those who love you?
- What is the relationship between biblical love and truth-telling?
Analysis & Commentary
Open rebuke is better than 'secret love.' The Hebrew 'ahab satan' (hidden/concealed love) fails to act for the beloved's good. True love corrects and rebukes when necessary (Hebrews 12:6). Love that won't confront sin isn't genuine love but sentimentality or cowardice. Reformed theology values church discipline as loving act. Faithful wounds from friends exceed kisses from enemies (27:6). This verse corrects modern notions that love means never confronting or disagreeing. Biblical love speaks truth, even when difficult.