An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Proverbs 27:5
I was talking to one friend recently who made a very pointed criticism of another mutual friend. It was obvious he has a sincere concern about our other friend, but instead of addressing it with him, he decided to mention it to me. Honestly I wondered how many other “friends” with whom he has had this same conversation. I simply told him I thought he should speak with our friend directly about his concerns.
This is such a difficult verse for some people…especially people pleasers…maybe even some pastors…because we are afraid to offend people, but the principle is that we must be willing to help those we love, even when it is uncomfortable.
Proverbs are principles. They aren’t promises from God as much as the are pieces of wisdom from God to help us live life better. The are commands as much as they are guidelines. You can live a very principled life and not be guaranteed success, but in the majority of circumstances, these principles work best. In this specific proverb, you are not guaranteed to be received well when you offer “an open rebuke”, but it is “better than hidden love”. We shouldn’t be constantly looking for flaws in other people and we should look at our own faults first, but when a friend is obviously making bad choices in life that will eventually cause them or others harm, when everyone else is already talking about the issue with everyone except the friend, the loving thing to do is to offer correction.
I believe the principle behind this proverb is simply that if you love someone…truly care for others…then you should be willing to confront the issues you see in their life. Sometimes others can see things in us that we can’t see in ourselves. If a friend or loved one is making bad decisions, as awkward and uncomfortable as it may be, it’s better to bring it to their attention than to ignore it in the name of love. I hear people say, “I don’t want to offend them” or “It’s none of my business”, but the idea here is that if you love someone enough, you’ll be willing to help them realize where they are making mistakes.
Is this tough for you? Do you agree or disagree with my assessment here?
If you are the one who needs rebuking, would you rather hear it from a friend, a stranger, or not at all?
Now the harder question, who in your life needs your “open rebuke” more than they need your “hidden love”?
Help me out with this post by adding your thoughts.
I really like this post thanks
It was hard on my part. I have to rebuke my mother for being an adulteress but my husband is also an adulterer! Any advise?
Great post. A few months ago I posted a fb note about truth tellers and gossipers. I would much rather someone confront me and tell me what they think than to have that person tell others. It might be hurtful to hear but it's far less painful than the gossip.
"A true friend will tell you the truth to your face – not behind your back.” Sasha Azevedo quotes (American Actress, Athlete and Model)
Thanks Karen.
Very good post. It may be hard to hear at times, but I eventually respect and appreciate being rebuked than to go wayward and suffer a greater consequence. I don't want to learn everything the hard way.
Thanks Brenda.
Me too Jason. Thank you
I'd rather hear it from a friend. With me, it's about respect. If it's someone I don't respect coming up to rebuke me I immediately question their motives rather than the rebuke itself. If I trust someone, I'll listen to what they have to say.
Great post Ron.
Great post Ron! I myself am guilty of this. We have advice or concerns for someone but instead of sharing it with them we tell everyone else. We are scared of losing their friendship. But like you said if we have love them and care for them we must to the tough thing and confront them.
Really liked this post!
Thanks for your honesty Joseph.
It is tough, necessary when you are in any kind of relationship. Especially at work. I hear the word 'politics' thrown around as a cover to not confront people. If done right, the other may not like hearing what you have to say at first, but in the long run they will appreciate it. Dave Augsburger (?) wrote a book, "Care enough to confront." Great book.
People who don't like to confront, I find myself not always trusting. I would prefer hearing a rebuke from trusted friends and co-worker. I don't let just anybody speak into my life. But when I hear it from someone who really doesn't know me, I still ponder it.
There are always situations to deal with. There are days I take a break. One thing I found, when you build up strength and get the reputation that you'll confront situations; you become the dumping ground for those, who don't like confrontation. I don't allow this to happen either. If you cannot tell the person, I don't want to hear it.
I agree Laurinda. I think good leaders learn how to handle conflict and confrontation well…and don't tell me behind my back either. I think we'd work well together.
Yes we would! Do you need a project manager for anything? 🙂
You never know…