Proverbs 24:26 kjv

Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

Proverbs 24:26 nkjv

He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

Proverbs 24:26 niv

An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

Proverbs 24:26 esv

Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.

Proverbs 24:26 nlt

An honest answer
is like a kiss of friendship.

Proverbs 24 verses

Proverbs 24 26 Meaning

Proverbs 24:26 declares that "He who gives a right answer kisses the lips." This proverb emphasizes the high value and profound acceptance of speaking truthfully, accurately, and appropriately, especially when offering counsel, judgment, or rebuke. Such a "right answer" is akin to a kiss on the lips, signifying a deeply intimate approval, honor, or reconciliation. It conveys that integrity and wisdom in communication foster a deep connection and genuine respect between the speaker and the hearer, or bring about a pleasing outcome that honors truth.

Proverbs 24 26 Context

Proverbs 24 is part of a larger collection within the book of Proverbs, often attributed to the "words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17 – 24:34). This chapter specifically focuses on contrasting wisdom with wickedness, warning against various forms of evil (envy of evildoers, idleness, malice, seeking vengeance) while promoting diligent labor, just judgment, and adherence to righteous principles. Verse 26, therefore, sits within this broader call for moral and social integrity, highlighting a particular facet of righteous conduct: honest and accurate speech, particularly in instances requiring clarity, judgment, or correction. It contributes to the book's overall aim of imparting practical wisdom for living a godly life in community. The "right answer" can encompass a just verdict in legal settings, wise counsel in disputes, or simply a truthful and appropriate response in daily interaction.

Proverbs 24 26 Word analysis

• He who gives a right answer: The Hebrew phrase is מֵשִׁיב דְּבָרִים נְכֹחִים ( _meshiyb devarim nekokhim_ ).
  • מֵשִׁיב (_meshiyb_): A participle from the verb שׁוּב ( _shuv_ ), meaning "to turn back," "to restore," and by extension, "to answer" or "to reply." It implies a response that returns or corresponds appropriately to the situation.
  • דְּבָרִים (_devarim_): Plural of דָּבָר ( _davar_ ), meaning "word," "thing," "matter," or "affair." Here, it refers to the content of speech or a response concerning an issue.
  • נְכֹחִים (_nekokhim_): Adjective from the root יָכַח ( _yakach_ ), meaning "straight," "right," "correct," "upright," or "just." It conveys more than just factual accuracy; it includes moral and ethical appropriateness. It's an answer that is sound, true, and ethically suitable for the situation, often implying a judicious or discerning quality.
  • Significance: This is not merely giving an answer, but giving a correct or righteous one. It's a response characterized by truthfulness, integrity, and wisdom, delivered with fairness and discernment. It encompasses both factual precision and moral uprightness.
• kisses the lips: The Hebrew phrase is נוֹשֵׁק שְׂפָתָיִם ( _nowsheq sephathayim_ ).
  • נוֹשֵׁק (_nowsheq_): A participle from the verb נָשַׁק ( _nashaq_ ), meaning "to kiss."
  • שְׂפָתָיִם (_sephathayim_): Dual form of שָׂפָה ( _sapha_ ), meaning "lip" or "edge." Here, it literally refers to "lips."
  • Significance: "Kissing the lips" is an idiom rich with cultural meaning beyond mere affection.
    • Affection/Welcome: A sign of warm greeting or deep approval (e.g., Ruth 1:14).
    • Honor/Respect: An act of homage or veneration towards someone worthy (e.g., 1 Sam 10:1). It acknowledges and confirms the authority or value of the other person.
    • Reconciliation/Pardon: A symbol of agreement, peace, or forgiveness, indicating that a barrier has been overcome (e.g., Ps 85:10 where "righteousness and peace have kissed each other").
    • Intimacy/Communion: Represents a deep bond or understanding.
    • Reciprocity: The action of "giving a right answer" evokes a pleasing, honorable, and perhaps reciprocal response. It is as if the truth itself, or the positive outcome of the truthful statement, bestows this honor. It highlights that the recipient of such an answer values it profoundly, or the answer itself produces a delightful and agreeable situation.

• Words-group Analysis:
  • "He who gives a right answer kisses the lips": This whole statement functions as a direct parallel between a moral act and its profoundly positive outcome or recognition. The 'right answer' is an ethical act of speech (wisdom and justice). The 'kissing the lips' is a symbolic reward, an expression of high commendation, approval, and acceptance. It illustrates that delivering truth, especially when difficult or discerning, creates deep affirmation and even spiritual communion. It contrasts with flattery or deceit which might temporarily please but ultimately do not endure.
  • The proverb sets up an expectation that honest, straight, and fitting words will be met with honor and appreciation, leading to mutual understanding and flourishing. It implies that true communication, even when corrective, is a pathway to respect and a deeper bond.

Proverbs 24 26 Bonus section

The concept of "kissing the lips" (or related body parts) in ancient Near Eastern and Biblical contexts often extended beyond romantic affection. It signified a range of social and political gestures, including:

• Submission or Allegiance: As seen in Psalm 2:12, "Kiss the Son," indicating allegiance or reverence to God's anointed King.
• Appointment or Transfer of Authority: Samuel's kiss upon anointing Saul (1 Sam 10:1).
• Friendship and Welcome: The embracing and kissing of family members or friends upon meeting (e.g., Gen 45:15).Therefore, a "right answer" could metaphorically be seen as an act that brings alignment or acknowledges legitimate authority/truth, prompting a profound positive response. The proverb underlines the rewarding nature of righteous speech—it inherently draws a positive reception and solidifies relationships or restores order, embodying a deeper spiritual reciprocity. It suggests that the speaker who chooses integrity in words cultivates a reputation and an environment of trust where their speech is readily embraced.

Proverbs 24 26 Commentary

Proverbs 24:26 celebrates the profound value of integrity in speech, portraying a "right answer" as an act deserving the highest form of affirmation—a kiss on the lips. This is not merely about providing factually correct information, but about delivering counsel, judgment, or rebuke that is truly upright, appropriate, and ethically sound (נְכֹחִים - nekokhim). Such words cut through confusion, expose error with grace, or affirm truth decisively. The resulting "kiss" symbolizes a deep level of approval, respect, acceptance, and even reconciliation or intimacy. It suggests that a person who masterfully navigates speech with wisdom and honesty gains a profound connection and honorable recognition, not just from those they speak to, but metaphorically from the very principle of truth and righteousness itself. The proverb encourages deliberate, wise communication as a means to achieve harmonious and honorable outcomes in relationships and society.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • A child truthfully admits a mistake and offers to make amends, receiving a loving embrace and strengthened trust from parents.
  • A mentor provides difficult but essential feedback to a mentee, who, upon reflection, appreciates the honesty and guidance, solidifying their respect for the mentor.
  • In a dispute, an arbiter gives a fair and just verdict that, though perhaps challenging for one party, brings a final, accepted resolution and peace.