FAITHFUL WOUNDS

Faithful are the wounds of a friend

When they’re sincere in their correction…

Done in love with a caring and gentle spirit

In a humble conversation.

These are certainly wounds that heal

Because although we prefer not to hear,

It’s what we need to know and acknowledge

When our friends are loving and sincere.

All of us have flaws and weaknesses

Blind spots and challenged with sins,

But when the people we trust are open and honest

It transforms our soul within.

Because when we care we are honest

But not done with criticism,

Since the end goal is to promote healing

And never for gossip or schisms.

But we cannot reprove a scoffer

Since they will mock and dismiss everything;

Reject our message of integrity

Along with the healing it so brings.

Spouses challenge each other

Hopefully with love and respect,

Because when iron sharpens iron

Although it’s painful it’s for our best.

Parents correct their children

So they’re guided through instruction;

With a genuine love that cares indeed

To prevent their future destruction.

If we neglect to be challenged

We can be in trouble indeed,

Particularly when the kisses of an enemy

Our false perceptions they feed.

Faithful wounds are necessary

But they’re for our very best interests;

To help us grow in maturity and faith

Rather than cause a hindrance.

God wants to set us free

And He gives us faithful friends,

Who will lovingly challenge us in a caring way

To eliminate every false thing and pretence.

Faithful wounds are like kisses

Because they’re genuinely created with love;

To restore, refresh and provide a new start

When they’re gentle as a dove.

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6

“Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.” Proverbs 27:5

“The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul.” Proverbs 15:31-32

“He who rebukes a man will find more favour afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.” Proverbs 28:23

“As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you.” Proverbs 9:7-8