One can imagine the case of a child longing for attention from a distant father who, for one reason or another, fails to show the child how much he loves them. Such a child will desire even an open rebuke. Frankly, this may be why so many get taken in by poor leaders who are abusive. The mistreatment fills a void left by an absent father.
It is also true that to fail to rebuke a brother, sister, or especially one’s own children is to hide love if rebuke is truly what is needed for the good of that person. God has given us one another as a means of grace because of the ease with which we can fool ourselves, evading the truth about what is going on in our lives and in our hearts. In general, the Spirit of Christ will be more reliable in these situations in the one rebuking than in the one receiving the rebuke. Often we do not obey God in this because of fear of hurting the other’s feelings or making them upset. But this cowardice will help no one, and it should be considered a form of “hidden love,” and useless.
Whenever one is rebuking another, love should be the goal. What we say is important, but how we say it is equally important. However, sometimes, no matter how lovingly we convey the truth (Eph 4:15), some will still scoff at it. This is the mark of a fool (Prov 1:22). That some will not listen to the truth, even given in love, is no reason to refrain from the loving act of rebuking one in need of it.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 27:5
#1 “Better is open rebuke…”
Open rebuke is taken to mean straightforward rebuke. A rebuke is a criticism of someone for some action or attitude. The more open and honest, the more effective.
#2 “…than hidden love.”
Love that is hidden is of no benefit to the recipient, and also robs the lover of the joy of expression. In this case, it may be that the absence of honest rebuke is the hidden love in question. It is loving to rebuke when it is necessary and may save someone’s life.
