Proverbs 27:5-11

New Living Translation

⁵ An open rebuke
    is better than hidden love!

⁶ Wounds from a sincere friend
    are better than many kisses from an enemy.

⁷ A person who is full refuses honey,
    but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.

⁸ A person who strays from home
    is like a bird that strays from its nest.

⁹ The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense.

¹⁰ Never abandon a friend—
    either yours or your father’s.
When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance.
    It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

¹¹ Be wise, my child,^[a] and make my heart glad.
    Then I will be able to answer my critics.