Proverbs 24:26 – Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
The New English Bible translates, “A straightforward answer is as good as a kiss of friendship.” A kiss in our society signals affection, often, sexual affection. But in many societies a kiss represents allegiance or friendship, with no erotic meaning. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss pretending loyal friendship (Luke 22:47-48). Peter told church members “to greet one another with a kiss of love (I Peter 5:14);” Paul said to “greet one another with a holy kiss (II Corinthians 13:12).” The equivalent gesture in American society for a long time was a handshake. More recently it has become a hug. So, “Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips,” means that honest and straightforward answers show true loyalty and friendship.
Why does this seemingly obvious fact need stating? Many people do not want honest answers and may even interpret them as indications of hostility. When I was a high school mathematics teacher, a member of the central Administration met with our department to ask our opinion of a new approach to teaching. Knowing full well what was expected of us, we nevertheless gave our honest opinion, hearing back later from our school Principal that we had further cemented our reputation as “not team players” “afraid of change,” “negative people” always opposed to new ideas.
One of the dangers powerful people face is subordinates who tell them only what they think their bosses want to hear. Not hearing bad news, or honest evaluations of plans, the bosses then make mistakes and fail. Often in life the bearers of bad news get punished for the bad news, so they don’t deliver it (see II Samuel 18:19-33, I Kings 22:8-28). Even bosses, or friends, fear giving an honest opinion or disappointing news that will disappoint their hearers. In the short run, they get treated as friends. But in reality they have not been loyal, because allowing someone to go on in ignorance, or to continue to play the game of “let’s pretend” with the facts, only brings disappointment and failure.
Solomon, therefore, wants both questioner and respondent to grasp a basic truth: the true and loyal friend, the reliable and useful subordinate, the trustworthy boss, is the one who speaks with straightforward honesty, especially when he knows that what he has to say will not be welcome. He encourages the one who answers to be courageous in his loyalty and to speak the truth. He encourages the one who hears something unpleasant to recall that, “Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.” Such people he should value highly. They are his friends.
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Dr. Bill Edgar, former chair of the Geneva College Board of Trustees, former Geneva College President and longtime pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA)
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FAQs
Proverbs 24:26 – Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips. The New English Bible translates, “A straightforward answer is as good as a kiss of friendship.” A kiss in our society signals affection, often, sexual affection. But in many societies a kiss represents allegiance or friendship, with no erotic meaning.
What does Proverbs 24 verse 26 mean? ›
The phrasing of this verse includes a few subtleties not easily translated into other languages. This figure of speech is grounded in the idea of a kiss being an expression of friendship and affection. The Hebrew words in this statement imply something sincere, "straight," and truthful.
What does proverbs 24-28 mean? ›
While the verse is primarily about speaking against others, it also mentions deception. Lying about others is never helpful. Also wrong is flattery (Proverbs 29:5; Psalm 12:2–3). Telling people what they want to hear, when it's not true—or purposefully exaggerated—is as much sin as is other lying (Proverbs 24:24–26).
What is the meaning of Proverbs 24 27? ›
Proverbs 24:27. This is a proverb that teaches us a crucial principle of business—first things first. So the immediate application is this. If you buy a fertile piece of ground, you should prepare it, work it, and plant your crop. After that, you should feel free to go ahead and build your house.
What is the meaning of Proverbs 3 3? ›
Here, Solomon counsels his student to always value steadfast love and faithfulness. These qualities were to adorn the student's life as a necklace adorns its wearer, and they should be written figurately upon the heart. The Hebrew word translated "steadfast love" by the ESV is he'sed, meaning loyalty to one's covenant.
What does proverbs 28-23 mean? ›
CSB One who rebukes a person will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue. NLT In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
What does proverbs 26-24-26 mean? ›
Scripture condemns both lies and flattery (Proverbs 6:16–19; 12:22; 29:5). Hateful people often spread lies about those they hope to destroy (Proverbs 26:24–26). Deceptive people may try to catch their victims off guard by praising them, giving insincere compliments.
What does proverbs 24-33 mean? ›
Many people would prefer to stay in bed a little longer in the morning than to go to work, but a sense of responsibility to pay the bills and keep a roof over their heads motivates them to "rise and shine." A proper amount of sleep prepares a person for work, but too much sleep makes him indolent and unwilling to work.
What is the meaning of proverbs 24-32? ›
Solomon "looked and received instruction." The obvious results of foolish laziness served as a learning moment for Solomon. Solomon did not summon the lazy farmer to appear before him to be punished. Instead, he learned more deeply that laziness is one of the routes leading to poverty (Proverbs 24:33–34).
What is the message of Proverbs 24? ›
In general, believers should seek God's will rather than being overly worried about the schemes of evil people. Respecting authority—both moral and legal—helps a person avoid the natural consequences of disobedience (Proverbs 24:13–22).
The way Judas identified Jesus for the authorities was to approach Jesus and greet him with a kiss of identification. “Thirty pieces of silver” refers to payment received for an act of treachery. “Betrayed with a kiss” refers to a supposed friend's treachery.
Where in the Bible does it talk about kissing the lips? ›
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. While kisses may not always be appreciated – like Judas' betrayal kiss of Jesus – “a kiss on the lips” is rather special.
What does the Bible mean by Let no man despise thy youth? ›
Timothy was not to let anyone look down on him because of his age. For all of human history, there has been a tendency for older generations to dismiss younger teachers, simply because they are young. In order to counter this, the influence of a young leader should come through his example.
What is Proverbs 2416? ›
Proverbs 24:16 is an encouraging verse that says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” At first glance, this passage may not seem reassuring.
