◄ Proverbs 24:26 ►
An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
Study Bible
An honest answer
The phrase "an honest answer" in Hebrew is "ma'aneh emet," where "ma'aneh" means "answer" and "emet" means "truth" or "faithfulness." In the biblical context, truth is not merely factual accuracy but aligns with God's nature and His covenantal faithfulness. An honest answer reflects integrity and righteousness, qualities highly esteemed in the wisdom literature of the Bible. It suggests a response that is not only correct but also delivered with sincerity and moral uprightness, embodying the character of God Himself.

given
The act of giving an honest answer implies a voluntary and intentional action. In the Hebrew culture, communication was a communal and relational act, often seen as a moral duty. The act of giving here is not just about speaking truth but doing so with the intent to build up, guide, or correct in love. It reflects the biblical principle of speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), emphasizing the relational aspect of communication that seeks the well-being of others.

is like
The simile "is like" introduces a comparison that invites the reader to consider the nature and impact of an honest answer. In Hebrew poetry, similes and metaphors are used to create vivid imagery and deeper understanding. This comparison suggests that the value and effect of an honest answer are akin to something tangible and deeply appreciated, drawing the reader to reflect on the significance of truthfulness in human interactions.

a kiss on the lips
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a "kiss on the lips" was a sign of deep affection, respect, and intimacy. It was a gesture reserved for close relationships, symbolizing trust and mutual respect. The imagery here conveys that an honest answer fosters closeness and strengthens relationships, much like a kiss would. It suggests that truth spoken in love can bridge gaps, heal wounds, and build trust, reflecting the biblical ideal of community and fellowship. This imagery underscores the power of truth to create bonds of love and respect, aligning with the biblical call to love one another earnestly from a pure heart (1 Peter 1:22).

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 Honesty
An honest answer is precious and should be cherished like a kiss on the lips, symbolizing affection and trust.

Integrity in Communication
As Christians, we are called to speak truthfully and with integrity, reflecting God's character in our interactions.

Building Trust through Truthfulness
Honest communication builds trust and strengthens relationships, much like the intimacy and respect conveyed through a kiss.

The Role of Wisdom in Speech
Wisdom guides us to speak truthfully and appropriately, ensuring our words are both honest and edifying.

Cultural Understanding of Symbolism
Understanding 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
1. How does the cultural context of ancient Israel enhance our understanding of the symbolism used in Proverbs 24:26?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of giving an honest answer in our daily interactions with others?

3. How does the concept of speaking the truth in love, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:15, relate to Proverbs 24:26?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our communication reflects the wisdom and integrity described in James 3:17?

5. How can understanding the value of honesty in Proverbs 24:26 help us build stronger, more trusting relationships in our personal and professional lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 4:15
- This verse emphasizes speaking the truth in love, which aligns with the idea of an honest answer being valuable and cherished.

James 3:17
- Discusses the wisdom from above, which is pure and peace-loving, connecting to the integrity and honesty highlighted in Proverbs.

Colossians 4:6
- Encourages believers to let their conversation be full of grace, seasoned with salt, which complements the idea of an honest answer being refreshing and valuable.
Sermons
The Ignobler and the Nobler SpiritE. Johnson Proverbs 24:17, 18, 29
Social ConductHomilistProverbs 24:23-26
Just Conduct to Our NeighbourE. Johnson Proverbs 24:26-29
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Gives, Giveth, Honest, Kiss, Kisses, Kisseth, Lips, Returning, Straightforward
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 24:26

     5549   speech, positive
     8354   trustworthiness

Library
The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God

How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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