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" Sharp words spoken in the open are better than love that is hidden."

What is this verse saying?

Hmmm.... It sounds like it means that it is better to express your feelings and spirit than to hide it.

Found someone online who posted their thoughts on it and it sounds right, so here it is:

I looked up Matthew Henry's commentary and found: "Plain and faithful rebukes are better, not only than secret hatred, but than love which compliments in sin, to the hurt of the soul."

It reminds me of certain people I know who were always spoiled by their parents when young and encouraged to feel that they were the centre of everything and could do no wrong. They became rather disastrous adults. While we should be kind to those around us and encourage them as best we can, sometimes the kindest thing is to speak out and tell them the truth. It may hurt at first, but that's the only way in which they're going to sort themselves out. I think that the secret love here is the tendency to cover over people's faults rather than to face up to them. Remember that those whom the Lord loves He chastens! That should give us a clue!