Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
All verses
Proverbs 24:26
What does Proverbs 24:26 mean?
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Proverbs 24:26
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's not just about giving the correct answer, but the right one – words that are plain, suitable, and true. Such honesty is so valuable and welcome, it's like a personal greeting of respect and affection, making the listener feel truly heard and validated.
Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse follows advice about avoiding unnecessary quarrels and mediating disputes with wisdom, not force. It then pivots to emphasize the value of truthful, clear communication, especially when facing difficult situations or providing counsel. The lesson immediately after speaks of the danger of falsely accusing the innocent and the blessing of a just defense.
Imagine a world where truth is rare and lies are common. In such a place, what kind of person would stand out? Proverbs gives us a surprising clue.
This verse uses a vivid image to show how much an honest answer is appreciated.
A Kiss of Respect
The phrase "kisses the lips" isn't about romance; it's a powerful symbol from the ancient world.
When someone gives a "right answer" – meaning plain, true, and relevant words – people will deeply respect them, perhaps even to the point of showing them great deference.
We live in an age of spin and half-truths. How does Proverbs help us navigate this complexity and value what's real?
The verse contrasts "right words" with their opposite – deceptive or unclear speech.
The Mark of a Right Answer
A "right answer" is more than just not lying. It's:
Ask a follow-up
Giving such an answer builds trust and fosters good relationships. It’s the foundation for wise decisions, both personally and in community.
Understand the original words
yashar · Hebrew Adjective
Integrity and truthfulness in speech. In a biblical context, it reflects God's own character of truth, standing in contrast to deceit or flattery. It is the manifestation of a heart aligned with divine wisdom.
nashaq · Hebrew Verb
A gesture representing deep affection, respect, or friendship. In wisdom literature, it serves as a metaphor for the positive reception and refreshing nature of truthful, righteous communication.
This passage describes Absalom, who used flattery and deceit to win people's favor, contrasting with the genuine, honest answer that earns true respect in Proverbs.
Psalm 2:12This verse speaks of kissing the Son, which is understood as a gesture of homage and submission; similarly, a 'right answer' in Proverbs earns respect and willing compliance from others.
Proverbs 8:9This verse states that wisdom's words are plain and right, directly opposing deceptive or obscure speech, highlighting the clarity and truthfulness that Proverbs values in communication.
Proverbs 15:23This proverb directly echoes the sentiment that a timely, honest word brings delight and satisfaction, much like the 'kiss on the lips' described in Proverbs 24:26.
pooleProverbs 24:26: "Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer."
Every man shall kiss his lips, shall highly respect and love him, of which kissing was a sign, that giveth a right answer; who being called to speak, either as a judge, or witness, or otherwise, in weighty matters, speaks pertinently, and plainly, and truly, to the conviction and satisfaction of the hearers.
jfbProverbs 24:26: "Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer."
- kiss his lips—love and obey, do homage (Ps 2:12; So 8:1).right answer—literally, "plain words" (compare Pr 8:9), opposed to deceptive, or obscure.
It's not just about giving the correct answer, but the right one – words that are plain, suitable, and true. Such honesty is so valuable and welcome, it's like a personal greeting of respect and affection, making the listener feel truly heard and validated.
This verse follows advice about avoiding unnecessary quarrels and mediating disputes with wisdom, not force. It then pivots to emphasize the value of truthful, clear communication, especially when facing difficult situations or providing counsel. The lesson immediately after speaks of the danger of falsely accusing the innocent and the blessing of a just defense.
This verse follows advice about avoiding unnecessary quarrels and mediating disputes with wisdom, not force. It then pivots to emphasize the value of truthful, clear communication, especially when facing difficult situations or providing counsel. The lesson immediately after speaks of the danger of falsely accusing the innocent and the blessing of a just defense.
"Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips." — It's not just about giving the correct answer, but the right one – words that are plain, suitable, and true. Such honesty is so valuable and welcome, it's like a personal greeting of respect and…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026