Wounds and Kisses in 'Opposite World'

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
--Proverbs 27:6

How would you explain this proverb to a child? It seems to be from a kind of 'opposite world.' Friends would not hurt each other; enemies do not kiss.

Two New Testament events provide visual examples for this verse.

First, the Apostle Paul opposed the Apostle Peter (Cephas) on one occasion when they were in the city of Antioch. Peter and some other Jewish Christians stood apart from the Gentile Christians and made a distinction. Paul explained that Peter “stood condemned.” He rebuked him openly because of his hypocrisy. (Read about this event in Galatians 2:11-14.)

Though public opposition is never pleasant, Paul acted in the best interest of Peter and others who joined in his hypocrisy. Peter’s soul was in danger and Paul came to his aid, through rebuke.

Near the end of the New Testament are two short books authored by the Apostle Peter. They were most likely written after the occasion in Antioch. So, it is apparent the Peter did not continue in his hypocrisy. The wounds of his fellow Christian were beneficial.

On the surface it probably appeared that Paul was against Peter. Yet, he acted as a friend to Peter by correcting him. Even though it was open rebuke, unpleasant to Peter, and most likely embarrassing, the wounds of the friend proved to be faithful.

The later half of the proverb is well illustrated by the Apostle Judas. Not often is the title 'Apostle' used with Judas. The reason, no doubt, is because we remember Judas for his actions as a traitor to Jesus. His final act of deceit was that of identifying Jesus by a kiss. This had been planned earlier so the soldiers would know with certainty which man to arrest.

In general, people refrain from outward signs of affection toward those they don't get along with. And that is especially true when it comes to enemies!

A kiss is a sign of acceptance and affection. It is reserved for family and close friends. Even when a kiss is a part of a greeting (as in some foreign countries), it symbolizes some level of acceptance.

If you were alone with an enemy would you kiss him/her?

Of course not!

So, why, then, would a person kiss an enemy?

Solomon cut through to reality: the kiss of an enemy must be understood to be deceitful. The kiss is for show; it mocks reality in hopes of fooling those who may be watching. The kiss presents one impression while the truth is cleverly hidden by the false affection.

So, what can we learn from this proverb and these New Testament examples?

• We live in a society that loves and expects tolerance; that preaches that you should never hurt anyone. However, if a friend's soul is in danger, you will be a faithful friend if you point out their error, even if it means that you wound them in some way. So, be the friend who is loyal to the point of wounding another to save them.
• If you are wounded by a friend, accept the pain of the correction. It is for your good. Count your friend as a true and loyal friend who was willing to risk your friendship for your benefit.
• Finally, never use affection as a smoke screen to deceive others...
• But be aware that others do.

Be wise.