"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful"(Proverbs 27:6).
A sign of wisdom and spiritual maturity is being open to receive correction from a friend even when it stings. Proverbs 9:9 says, "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."
How have you handled the loving rebuke and constructive criticisms of a friend? Do you love him or hate him for it? Proverbs 9:8 says, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee." Do you even have a friend that feels that you have the capacity and maturity to receive correction or a rebuke? A wise man might feel the pain of a rebuke, but he will view it as the faithfulness, loyalty and love of a friend. Will you rather that your friend tell you the truth in love even if it hurts, or lie to you so you can feel good? Welcome the wounds of the wise. Thank God for faithful friends.
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