Yào kǔ zhìbìng; tián yán wù rén.

藥苦治病, 甜言誤人。

Lit Bitter medicine cures illnesses, [but] sweet words mislead people.

Fig Frank advice may be a “bitter pill” to swallow, but it is often more valuable than what one wants to hear.

Note [See also liángyào kǔkǒu above.]

Topics ADVICE FRANKNESS MEDICINE VALUE