Proverbs 27:5
Proverbs 27:5 in Multiple Translations
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Better is open rebuke Than love that is hidden.
Better is open protest than love kept secret.
Open criticism is better than hidden love.
Open rebuke is better then secret loue.
Better [is] open reproof than hidden love.
Better is open rebuke than hidden love.
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Open rebuke is better than hidden love.
It is better to correct someone openly than to show that you l don’t love that person by not correcting him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 27:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ט֭וֹבָה
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
מְגֻלָּ֑ה
מֵֽ/אַהֲבָ֥ה
מְסֻתָּֽרֶת
ט֭וֹבָה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
rebuke
N-fs
מְגֻלָּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
to reveal
V-Pual-Inf-c
מֵֽ/אַהֲבָ֥ה
ʼahăbâh
H160
love
Prep | N-fs
מְסֻתָּֽרֶת
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Pual-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:5
ט֭וֹבָה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
תּוֹכַ֣חַת
tôwkêchâh
H8433
"rebuke"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means argument, correction, or reproof, often referring to a verbal rebuke or chastisement. It involves reasoning or proof to make a point or correct someone.
Definition: rebuke, correction, punishment, chastisement
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved. See also: 2 Kings 19:3; Proverbs 12:1; Psalms 38:15.
מְגֻלָּ֑ה
gâlâh
H1540
"to reveal"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This Hebrew word means to reveal or uncover something, often in a way that's embarrassing or shameful. It can also mean to exile someone, forcing them to leave their home. In some cases, it's used to describe God revealing himself to people.
Definition: : reveal[information] 1) to uncover, remove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to uncover 1a2) to remove, depart 1a3) to go into exile 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) (reflexive) 1b1a) to uncover oneself 1b1b) to discover or show oneself 1b1c) to reveal himself (of God) 1b2) (passive) 1b2a) to be uncovered 1b2b) to be disclosed, be discovered 1b2c) to be revealed 1b3) to be removed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to uncover (nakedness) 1c1a) nakedness 1c1b) general 1c2) to disclose, discover, lay bare 1c3) to make known, show, reveal 1d) (Pual) to be uncovered 1e) (Hiphil) to carry away into exile, take into exile 1f) (Hophal) to be taken into exile 1g) (Hithpael) 1g1) to be uncovered 1g2) to reveal oneself
Usage: Occurs in 167 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, appear, bewray, bring, (carry, lead, go) captive (into captivity), depart, disclose, discover, exile, be gone, open, [idiom] plainly, publish, remove, reveal, [idiom] shamelessly, shew, [idiom] surely, tell, uncover. See also: Genesis 9:21; Job 38:17; Psalms 18:16.
מֵֽ/אַהֲבָ֥ה
ʼahăbâh
H160
"love"
Prep | N-fs
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
מְסֻתָּֽרֶת
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Pual-Inf-c
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:5
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:5
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
3A stone is heavy and sand is a burden, but aggravation from a fool outweighs them both.
4Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?
5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.
6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 28:23 | He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 5:20 | But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. |
| 3 | Galatians 2:14 | When I saw that they were not walking in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” |
| 4 | Matthew 18:15 | If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. |
| 5 | Leviticus 19:17 | You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him. |
Proverbs 27:5 Summary
[Proverbs 27:5 teaches us that it's better to receive an open and honest rebuke from someone who cares about us than to have them keep their concerns hidden, as this can help us grow and learn (Proverbs 29:5). This verse reminds us that true love and friendship involve being willing to have tough conversations and speak the truth, even if it's difficult (Proverbs 28:23 and Ephesians 4:15). By being open to feedback and criticism, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others and become better versions of ourselves (Proverbs 24:26 and Psalms 141:5).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have love that is concealed?
Concealed love refers to withholding honest feedback or criticism from someone we care about, often to avoid hurting their feelings, as seen in Proverbs 27:5, but this can be counterproductive and hinder their growth, as noted in Proverbs 29:5.
Is an open rebuke always the best approach?
An open rebuke, as mentioned in Proverbs 27:5, can be beneficial when done in love and with the intention of correction, as seen in Proverbs 28:23 and Matthew 18:15, but it's essential to consider the timing, tone, and motivations behind the rebuke.
How does this verse relate to our relationships with others?
Proverbs 27:5 highlights the importance of honesty and transparency in our relationships, as also seen in Proverbs 24:26, where speaking the truth, even if it's difficult, can ultimately lead to deeper and more meaningful connections with others.
What role does trust play in receiving an open rebuke?
Trust is crucial in receiving an open rebuke, as it allows us to understand the intentions behind the criticism, as seen in Proverbs 27:6, where the wounds of a friend are faithful, and helps us to be more receptive to constructive feedback, as noted in Psalms 141:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be withholding honest feedback or criticism from someone I care about, and how can I address this in a loving and constructive way?
- How do I respond to open rebukes or criticism from others, and what can I learn from their feedback to grow and improve?
- In what ways can I balance the need for honesty and transparency in my relationships with the need to be sensitive and compassionate towards others, as seen in Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 3:8?
- What role does humility play in receiving an open rebuke, and how can I cultivate a humble attitude to be more receptive to constructive feedback, as noted in Proverbs 12:1 and James 1:19-20?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:5
Open rebuke [is] better than secret love. This is to be understood, not of rebuke publicly given; though Aben Ezra thinks public reproof is meant, which, arising from love, is better than that which
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:5
Open rebuke is better than secret love. Open rebuke is better than secret love - is better than the love which is hidden in the heart, and does not perform the outward offices of love, in aiding,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
Open rebuke, Heb. which is manifested or discovered, either, 1. Publicly and before others, when it is needful; in which case, though it put a man to some shame, yet it doth him good. Or, 2. Privately, and to the offender’ s time, a plain and downright reproof. Better; more desirable and beneficial. Secret love; which lies hid in the heart, and doth not show itself by friendly actions, and particularly by free and faithful reproof, which is a principal end and benefit of friendship.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
Proverbs 27:5 Open rebuke [is] better than secret love.Ver. 5. Open rebuke is better than secret love.] For, after the nature of pills, rebuke, though it be not toothsome, yet it is wholesome, and a sure sign of a faithful friend, if rightly managed. See my Common Place of Admonition. Secret love, that either seeth nothing amiss in a friend, or dare not say so, is little worth in comparison. "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart," but, as an argument of thy love, "thou shalt reprove him," plainly, but wisely, "and not suffer sin upon him," much less further it, and be his broker or pander in it, as Hirah the Adullamite was to his friend Judah, and Jonadab to his cousin Amnon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
(5) Secret love—i.e., that never discloses itself in acts of kindness, not even in “open rebuke” when such is needed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
Verse 5. Open rebuke is better than secret love.] Plutarch gives an account of a man who, aiming a blow at his enemy's life, cut open an imposthume, which by a salutary discharge saved his life, that was sinking under a disease for which a remedy could not be found. Partial friendship covers faults; envy, malice, and revenge, will exhibit, heighten, and even multiply them. The former conceals us from ourselves; the latter shows us the worst part of our character. Thus we are taught the necessity of amendment and correction. In this sense open rebuke is better than secret love. Yet it is a rough medicine, and none can desire it. But the genuine open-hearted friend may be intended, who tells you your faults freely but conceals them from all others; hence the sixth verse: "Faithful are the wounds of a friend."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:5
5. secret] Better, with R.V., that is hidden; i.e. that does not manifest itself in rebuke, when it is needed. Maurer quotes aptly from Seneca, Ep. 25, and Plautus Trinum. Acts 1. Sc. ii., 57; and also from Cicero, Lœl. 25:—“Ut igitur et monere et moneri proprium est veræ amicitiæ, et alteram libere facere, non aspere, alterum patienter accipere, non repugnanter; sic habendum est, nullam in amicitiis pestem esse majorem, quam adulationem, blanditiam, assentationem.”
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 27:5
Secret love - Better, love that is hidden; i. e., love which never shows itself in this one way of rebuking faults. Rebuke, whether from friend or foe, is better than such love.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:5
5. Open rebuke — Whether it comes from friend or foe, is, like any other chastening, “not joyous, but grievous;” nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth, at least in good men, “the peaceable fruits of
Sermons on Proverbs 27:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 1 by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson addresses the controversial topic of alcohol consumption among Christians, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards social drinking within the church. He emphasi |
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The Ministry of the Day by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot addresses the light and superficial nature of the ministry of the day, pointing out the lack of depth, weight, and solidity in preaching the Gospel. He emphasizes the |
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Beyond Forgiveness by Don Baker | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a moment when he called a man named Greg to the pulpit in front of the congregation. It is revealed that Greg had fallen in battle and was in n |
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Contending for the Faith by Jack Hudson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of setting a good example and maintaining faith in God. He uses the analogy of picking up an apple to illustrate the simplici |
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Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 5.-- Thursday--(Continued) by J.H. Newman | J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of Church discipline, emphasizing the authority given by Jesus Christ to His ministers to judge and discipline according to His Word. Excommu |
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Seven Myths of Repentance (Myth #3, #4, & #5) by Robert Wurtz II | Robert Wurtz II addresses the myths surrounding repentance, debunking the misconceptions that penance equals repentance and that reformation alone signifies true repentance. He emp |
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Homily 12 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the story of Ananias and Sapphira, highlighting the severity of their sin of sacrilege and deception, leading to their tragic deaths as a result of thei |