Note, 1. It is good for us to be reproved, and told of our faults, by
our friends. If true love in the heart has but zeal and courage enough
to show itself in dealing plainly with our friends, and reproving them
for what they say and do amiss, this is really better, not only than
secret hatred (as Lev. xix. 17), but than secret love, that love to our
neighbours which does not show itself in this good fruit, which
compliments them in their sins, to the prejudice of their souls.
Faithful are the reproofs of a friend, though for the present they are
painful as wounds. It is a sign that our friends are faithful indeed
if, in love to our souls, they will not suffer sin upon us, nor let us
alone in it. The physician's care is to cure the patient's disease, not
to please his palate. 2. It is dangerous to be caressed and flattered
by an enemy, whose kisses are deceitful We can take no pleasure in them
because we can put no confidence in them (Joab's kiss and Judas's were
deceitful), and therefore we have need to stand upon our guard, that we
be not deluded by them; they are to be deprecated. Some read it: The
Lord deliver us from an enemy's kisses, from lying lips, and from a
deceitful tongue.