Proverbs 24:26
Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 24:26
Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse isn't just about giving a good answer, but about how a plain, honest answer brings immediate, affectionate respect from those who hear it. It's like the very act of speaking truth, clearly and directly, earns a warm embrace, making you someone people naturally want to be near and obey.
This proverb follows advice on responding wisely to others, contrasting it with the foolishness of a hasty or dishonest reply. It suggests that a truthful, clear answer is so valuable and appreciated that it's met with affection and respect, like a welcome kiss. The focus is on the positive impact of integrity in speech within everyday interactions and potentially more serious matters.
Ever feel like your words just fall flat? This verse shows how speaking the truth can actually draw people closer to you.
The proverb paints a vivid picture: giving an 'honest answer' is like offering a kiss. Think about what a kiss signifies – affection, respect, closeness, even homage. When you offer a 'right answer,' meaning words that are plain, true, and fitting for the situation, you're not just informing someone; you're building connection. It’s about delivering truth in a way that is welcomed and appreciated, leading others to respond with warmth and trust. This isn't about being harsh; it's about being accurate and sincere.
In a world full of spin and half-truths, what does it really mean to give a 'right answer'?
The key here is 'right' or 'plain' words. This is contrasted with answers that are deceptive, obscure, or misleading. A 'right answer' is clear, straightforward, and accurate. It gets to the heart of the matter without unnecessary jargon or manipulation. This applies whether you're a judge delivering a verdict, a witness giving testimony, or simply someone being asked for their opinion. The goal is clarity and truth, which ultimately brings satisfaction and conviction to those who hear.
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 speaks of honoring the Son, with the kiss being a sign of respect and homage, directly paralleling how a 'right answer' in Proverbs earns similar regard.
2 Samuel 15:5Absalom's deceptive tactic of kissing people's hands to win their favor highlights how a genuine 'kiss' (or show of affection/respect) is powerful, making the truthful answer in Proverbs highly valued.
Proverbs 15:23This verse states that 'a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver,' echoing the sentiment that a 'right answer' is beautiful, valuable, and pleasing to hear.
Proverbs 8:9Wisdom's words are described as plain and accessible, unlike deceptive speech; this aligns with Proverbs 24:26, where a 'right answer' is characterized by truth and clarity, making it highly esteemed.
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.
This verse isn't just about giving a good answer, but about how a plain, honest answer brings immediate, affectionate respect from those who hear it. It's like the very act of speaking truth, clearly and directly, earns a warm embrace, making you someone people naturally want to be near and obey.
This proverb follows advice on responding wisely to others, contrasting it with the foolishness of a hasty or dishonest reply. It suggests that a truthful, clear answer is so valuable and appreciated that it's met with affection and respect, like a welcome kiss. The focus is on the positive impact of integrity in speech within everyday interactions and potentially more serious matters.
This proverb follows advice on responding wisely to others, contrasting it with the foolishness of a hasty or dishonest reply. It suggests that a truthful, clear answer is so valuable and appreciated that it's met with affection and respect, like a welcome kiss. The focus is on the positive impact of integrity in speech within everyday interactions and potentially more serious matters.
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"Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips." — This verse isn't just about giving a good answer, but about how a plain, honest answer brings immediate, affectionate respect from those who hear it. It's like the very act of speaking truth, clear…