Flattery or Foresight?

We all like to get the pats on the back and the kudos. But what about those conversations that may not feel so good initially but are for our good in the long term? It's like eating broccoli with dinner instead of potato chips. The short term enjoyment of the chips will fade fast but the long term benefits of the broccoli will last.

I'm reminded of a Proverb along these lines that carries with it much wisdom:

"Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." 27:6

If I know someone has my back in good times and bad, their words can be trusted when they tell me something that might be unpleasant for my ears to hear. On the contrary, if someone is always giving me over the top compliments a flag comes up because they are "kissing" me too much.

May this be a litmus test for your conversations.

​#wounds #kisses #kudos #broccoli