An honest answer givenHonesty is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in communication. In the ancient Near Eastern context, where Proverbs was written, honesty was a valued virtue in maintaining social harmony and trust within the community. The Hebrew word for "honest" here implies straightforwardness and integrity, reflecting God's nature as truth (
John 14:6). This phrase underscores the biblical principle that truthfulness is foundational to righteous living (
Ephesians 4:25). The act of giving an honest answer is seen as a reflection of one's character and commitment to God's standards.
is like a kiss on the lips.
In ancient Hebrew culture, a kiss on the lips was a sign of affection, respect, and deep friendship. It symbolized intimacy and trust, often used in familial and close relationships. This imagery suggests that an honest answer fosters closeness and mutual respect, akin to the bond shared through a kiss. The comparison highlights the value and beauty of truthfulness, suggesting that honesty can strengthen relationships and build community. This metaphor also points to the relational aspect of God's truth, as seen in Jesus Christ, who embodies grace and truth (John 1:14). The kiss on the lips can be seen as a type of Christ's love and truth, which brings believers into a closer relationship with God and each other.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.
2.
Ancient Israel- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, where wisdom literature was highly valued.
3.
The Wise- A recurring theme in Proverbs, representing those who seek and apply God's wisdom in their lives.
Teaching Points
The Value of HonestyAn honest answer is precious and should be cherished like a kiss on the lips, symbolizing affection and trust.
Integrity in CommunicationAs Christians, we are called to speak truthfully and with integrity, reflecting God's character in our interactions.
Building Trust through TruthfulnessHonest communication builds trust and strengthens relationships, much like the intimacy and respect conveyed through a kiss.
The Role of Wisdom in SpeechWisdom guides us to speak truthfully and appropriately, ensuring our words are both honest and edifying.
Cultural Understanding of SymbolismUnderstanding the cultural symbolism of a "kiss on the lips" in ancient times helps us appreciate the depth of this proverb's message about honesty.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 24:26?
2.How can we practice giving "an honest answer" in our daily conversations?
3.Why is honesty valued in Proverbs 24:26 and throughout the Bible?
4.How does Proverbs 24:26 connect with Ephesians 4:25 about speaking truth?
5.What are the consequences of not giving "an honest answer" in relationships?
6.How can Proverbs 24:26 guide us in resolving conflicts biblically?
7.What does Proverbs 24:26 mean by "an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips"?
8.How does Proverbs 24:26 relate to the importance of truth in relationships?
9.Why is honesty emphasized in Proverbs 24:26 within the context of biblical teachings?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 24?
11.What does "An honest answer is a kiss" mean?
12.What does 'An honest answer is a kiss' mean?
13.What defines knowing someone in a romantic context?
14.Proverbs 26:4-5: How can these adjacent verses not be contradictory when they offer opposite instructions on answering fools?What Does Proverbs 24:26 Mean
An honest answer- Scripture prizes truth. “Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight” (Proverbs 12:22). WhenProverbs 24:26 opens with “An honest answer,” it reminds us that God calls His people to absolute integrity—no spin, no hidden agenda.
- Truth telling is not optional; it is a mark of belonging to Christ. Paul urges, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25).
- Honesty protects relationships, preserves unity, and reflects God’s own character.
given- The proverb highlights that truth must be shared, not hoarded. “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” (Proverbs 15:23).
- Speaking honestly is an act of generosity:
• It offers clarity instead of confusion.
• It provides direction when someone is uncertain.
• It builds trust that words and actions align.
-Colossians 4:6 frames the attitude: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Honesty delivered graciously blesses both speaker and listener.
is like- Solomon often uses comparisons to fix truth in the heart (e.g., “Better is a dry morsel with quietness” inProverbs 17:1). Here, “is like” signals a vivid picture is coming.
- By reaching for a familiar, relational image, the Spirit invites us to feel rather than merely acknowledge the value of truthful speech.
a kiss on the lips- In ancient Israel a kiss on the lips between family members or close friends expressed affection, respect, and covenant loyalty. It was warm, personal, and unmistakably sincere (see Songs 1:2; also note the New Testament “holy kiss” inRomans 16:16).
- When someone gives an honest answer:
• It conveys close fellowship—no barriers, no pretenses.
• It affirms dignity—valuing the other enough to speak plainly.
• It fosters peace—truth clears the air like a loving greeting clears doubt.
- The comparison also hints at purity. A kiss can be misused (as in Judas’s betrayal,Luke 22:48), but here it is “on the lips”—open and direct, not sneaky or deceitful.
summaryAn honest answer, freely offered, mirrors the affection and trust of a sincere kiss. God esteems truthfulness because it reflects His nature, blesses relationships, and nourishes community. Whenever we speak candidly with grace, we gift others the warmth, respect, and security of genuine love.
(26)
Every man shall kiss his lips. . . Rather,
He kisseth the lips that giveth right answers.His words are as pleasant as if he had kissed the inquirer's lips.
Verse 26. - A distich connected with the subject of the preceding paragraph.
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer; or better,
he kisseth the lips who giveth a right answer. An answer that is fair and suitable to the circumstances is as pleasant and assuring to the bearers as a kiss on the lips. Such a salutation would be a natural sign of sympathy and affection. Thus Absalom won the hearts of the people by kissing those who came to court with their suits (
2 Samuel 15:5). In
Genesis 41:40, where the Authorized Version has, "According to thy word shall all my people be ruled," the Hebrew runs, "Thy mouth shall all my people kiss,"
i.
e. they shall do homage to thee, which is another signification of this action. This, however, would not be suitable here, as the kiss is supposed to be given by the speaker, though the LXX. mistakenly translates, "But men will kiss lips that answer good words."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
An honestנְכֹחִֽים׃(nə·ḵō·ḥîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 5228:Straightforward, equitable, correct, integrityanswerדְּבָרִ֥ים(də·ḇā·rîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causegivenמֵ֝שִׁ֗יב(mê·šîḇ)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againis like a kissיִשָּׁ֑ק(yiš·šāq)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5401:To kiss, to equip with weaponson the lips.שְׂפָתַ֥יִם(śə·p̄ā·ṯa·yim)Noun - fd
Strong's 8193:The lip, language, a margin
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss (Prov. Pro Pr) 
