Proverbs 27:5

Modern

Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.

Traditional

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

Literal

Better is an uncovered rebuke than love hidden.

Latin

Melior est manifesta correptio quam amor absconditus.

Hebrew

English

Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed.

A rebuke can improve life by correcting harmful behavior (Proverbs 13:1; 14:6). Hidden, unexpressed love has no value.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 28:23
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.
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.
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?”
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.
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.