A Friend Who Helps You Stop
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Proverbs 27:6 KJV
Real friendship includes more than agreeing. A friend who notices you cheating, mocking someone, or moving toward danger should not have to stay silent to prove loyalty. Loving honesty is part of care.
Proverbs 27:6 contrasts a faithful friend with deceptive affection. The difference is purpose, not simply whether the words feel pleasant. A correction should help you turn toward what is right.
That does not make insulting or hurting someone acceptable. Speak privately when possible, explain the concern clearly, and seek an adult's help with serious matters. When a trustworthy friend corrects you, listen before defending yourself. The uncomfortable sentence may be the one that protects you from a much larger regret.
Keep the passage in context
The proverb contrasts faithful correction from a friend with an enemy's deceptive affection. Loving honesty can be uncomfortable. It does not excuse cruelty, insults, or physical harm in the name of correction.
Read further: Proverbs 27 in the King James Bible.