Topical Bible: Deceit: The Kisses of an Enemy Are

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In the Bible, deceit is often portrayed as a destructive force that undermines trust and leads to discord. One of the vivid illustrations of deceit is found in the metaphorical expression "the kisses of an enemy," which highlights the insidious nature of false affection and betrayal.

The phrase "the kisses of an enemy" is derived from Proverbs 27:6, which states, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" . This proverb contrasts the genuine, albeit sometimes painful, counsel of a true friend with the duplicitous gestures of an adversary. The "kisses" symbolize outward expressions of friendship or goodwill that mask hidden malice or harmful intentions.

Throughout Scripture, deceit is condemned as contrary to the nature of God, who is characterized by truth and faithfulness. In the Old Testament, deceit is often associated with the wicked and is seen as a tool used by those who oppose God's righteous ways. For example, Psalm 55:21 describes the deceitful nature of an enemy: "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords" . This imagery underscores the danger of trusting in appearances without discerning the true intentions behind them.

The New Testament continues this theme, warning believers to be vigilant against deceit. Jesus Himself experienced the "kisses of an enemy" when Judas Iscariot betrayed Him with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:48-49). This act of betrayal, cloaked in the guise of affection, serves as a poignant example of how deceit can manifest in relationships.

The Apostle Paul also cautions against deceit within the Christian community. In Romans 16:17-18, he warns, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the naive" . Here, deceit is linked to false teachings and the manipulation of others for personal gain.

In the broader biblical narrative, deceit is often juxtaposed with truth and integrity. Believers are called to emulate the character of God by speaking truthfully and acting with sincerity. Ephesians 4:25 exhorts, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body" . This call to honesty reflects the biblical ideal of community built on trust and transparency.

In summary, the concept of "the kisses of an enemy" serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of deceit. It challenges individuals to discern the true nature of relationships and to value the honesty and integrity that reflect God's character.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Ephesians v. 5, 6
... or both because of these things, and because of the "deceit," [378] inasmuch as ... Faithful
are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are profuse ...
/.../homily xviii ephesians v 5.htm

Second Sunday after Easter
... are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an ... On the other hand, an enemy may
use fair and flattering words when he has enmity and deceit at heart ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday after easter.htm

Letter Lxxxii. (AD 405. )
... Gentiles as a Gentile, not with the subtlety of intentional deceit, but with ... Faithful
are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxii a d 405.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... But all the wit and skill of such wicked men is deceit. ... and warnings, applied in
love and compassion, are better than an enemy's kisses and flatteries, than ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Treatise iii. On the Lapsed.
... of faith; clinging to them with holy kisses, we embrace ... stricken with those darts
of the raging enemy; their cruel ... and we were snared by the deceit of others?". ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise iii on the lapsed.htm

A Faithful Friend
... fashion of this age, because this age is the age of deceit. ... He does not come to us
with the kisses of his lips ... is out of bow-shot of that great enemy; till you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/a faithful friend.htm

A Faithful Friend
... fashion of this age, because this age is the age of deceit. ... He does not come to us
with the kisses of his lips ... is out of bow-shot of that great enemy; till you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/a faithful friend.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... doth at any time but shake his rod over him, he comes trembling, and kisses the
rod ... the edges, is not now able to conquer a foe, and to make an enemy fall and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm