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Proverbs 27:5–6

Better a rebuke that is open

than a love that is hidden.

The wounds of a friend mean well,

but the kisses of an enemy are profane.

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Proverbs 27:5–6 — The New International Version (NIV)

Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — English Standard Version (ESV)

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 — King James Version (KJV 1900)

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — New Living Translation (NLT)

An open rebuke

is better than hidden love!

Wounds from a sincere friend

are better than many kisses from an enemy.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — The New King James Version (NKJV)

Open rebuke is better

Than love carefully concealed.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — New Century Version (NCV)

It is better to correct someone openly

than to have love and not show it.

The slap of a friend can be trusted to help you,

but the kisses of an enemy are nothing but lies.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — American Standard Version (ASV)

Better is open rebuke

Than love that is hidden.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

But the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — 1890 Darby Bible (DARBY)

Open rebuke is better than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

Open criticism is better than unexpressed love. 

Wounds made by a friend are intended to help, 

but an enemy’s kisses are too much to bear. 

Proverbs 27:5–6 — The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Better an open reprimand

than concealed love.

The wounds of a friend are trustworthy,

but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts,

but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — New International Reader’s Version (1998) (NIrV)

Being warned openly is better

than being loved in secret.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted.

But an enemy kisses you many times.

Proverbs 27:5–6 — New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (NASB95)

Better is open rebuke

Than love that is concealed.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,

But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.


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