Commentary for Proverbs 28:23

He who admonishes man for the sins he has committed and separates him from them.

afterwards will find more favor After a time, he will find more favor in his eyes than one who speaks with flattery. We find in Gen. Rabbah (44:5): “Wherever it says אחרי, it means only long after; אחר, it is soon after. In Tanhuma, in the portion entitled “These are the words”: “He who admonishes man after Me”—this refers to Moses, who admonished Israel after the Holy One, blessed be He, who were called “man,” as it is stated (Ezek. 34:31): “You are men,” and it stated concerning him (Ex. 33: 17): “For you have found favor in My sight.” more favor than he who speaks with flattery This refers to Balaam, who said fine things to Israel (Num. 24:5): “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob!” Moses announces (Deut. 11:16): “Beware lest your heart be deceived,” and Balaam announces and flatters, “Do what your heart desires; He does not care: (Num. 23:19) ‘God is not a man that He should lie,’ concerning the nations, but concerning you, ‘He says but He does not do.’” And Solomon cries about both of them, (above 27:6): “Wounds of a lover are faithful, whereas kisses of an enemy are burdensome.”