Maybe it's just me, but I have a difficult time establishing a great degree of context in Proverbs. It seems like Proverbs is a collection of sometimes unrelated gems of truth.

If that is the case, then perhaps this verse is simply to encourage candor in our relationships?? One thing I have noticed since moving to the South is that it's more difficult to find people here who are willing to be forthright about their feelings. I would far rather someone is open with me if they have an issue with me. It is very frustrating when a person keeps feelings tightly to themselves. I would prefer a brother rebuked me to my face rather than secretly harboring resentment or frustration against me. 

Better a tangible but rough manifestation of love than one which never makes itself known.
Kids love their fathers, despite the scolding received from them. But who cares about the father who never even talks to his son? At least the kid who got scolded knows that his father thinks of him and cares enough to scold. The other kid's father doesn't seem to bother at all. 

Hello Carri,

Why is it called secret love or hidden love? Normally things are only in secret or hidden when it cannot be exposed in the light. When we sin, we sin in darkness and in secret. So, secret love carries many mysterious connotations of a love that cannot come to light. Better is someone who openly rebuke you because this is done in the light and not in the darkness, than a love that has to be hidden.

verse 6 tells us:
faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy is deceitful.

A friend will tell you the truth even though it hurts, but an enemy will just say what pleases you because he or she is not sincerely seeking your well-being.

This is another verse that says that kisses or affection may be deceitful but rebuke may be sincere.

This is only my revelation :) 

changed on Friday, August 11, 2000 1:10:35 PM