“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” (Proverbs 27:5, NIV)
No one likes to be blindsided in a relationship. Unfortunately, it happens a lot.
Consider the example of a soldier who had just returned after 12 months in Iraq. The welcome home ceremony went fine. So did the rest of the first day home. Not the second day. Like an improvised explosive device, his wife’s words created a devastating explosion. She announced that she was leaving and taking the two kids with her. She slapped divorce papers down on the kitchen counter and demanded that he sign them. Unsurprisingly, the soldier was numb. He was absolutely stunned. He never saw it coming.
Of course the scenario could have been just the reverse, and it has been many times. But, the only winner in this scenario or many like it is the devil himself. Everyone else loses. Are we helpless? No way. God’s Word gives wisdom on how to live.
This verse from Proverbs articulates a principle that will help any relationship, marriage or otherwise. Simply be open and honest with people, especially in a marriage. Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy. God gives life. Follow and obey Him.
