Be a Speed Bump

(Proverbs 27:6 KJV)  Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Think of what is not stated but assumed in this verse.  Switch a few words and you are reminded that if the “wounds” (6482) of a “friend” (157) are helpful, “kisses” (5390) would be even better. 

Why emphasize the negative here?  Because we learn better through struggle than ease.  This is a truth that people know instinctively but our culture is currently rejecting.  If you visit a public school you will hear them emphasizing self-esteem and the positive.  They always want to cloak everything in positive statements.  Every time I sit down in a meeting with a kid who has major problems and is nothing but a pain the administrator always starts with, “First, let’s share the positive things about little Ghengis.”  These are “deceitful” (6280) “kisses” (5390) because the child gets the idea that he doesn’t really have a problem.

So?  Speak truth.  Your culture does not want to hear it so go ahead and try to find a sugar coating but get the truth proclaimed.  Speed bumps are uncomfortable but they send a message.