Proverbs 24:26

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Every man shall kiss {H5401} his lips {H8193} that giveth {H7725} a right {H5228} answer {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Giving an honest answer is like giving a kiss.

Berean Standard Bible

An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.

American Standard Version

He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:26 extols the profound value and positive reception of a truthful and upright communication. It suggests that a person who delivers a "right answer"—one that is not only accurate but also morally sound and delivered with integrity—will be met with deep respect, honor, and affirmation from those who hear it. This proverb underscores the societal and interpersonal benefit derived from clear, honest, and wise speech, portraying it as a quality worthy of the highest esteem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24 is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings, specifically within the "Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This chapter emphasizes themes of justice, diligence, and the consequences of both righteous and wicked behavior. Immediately preceding Proverbs 24:26, verses 23-25 explicitly warn against showing partiality in judgment and commend those who administer justice fairly, stating that "he who rebukes the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon him" ([Proverbs 24:25](/proverbs/24-25 "Proverbs 24:25 - The Blessing of Rebuke")). In this light, verse 26 naturally extends the discussion from the importance of just judgment to the broader appreciation for truthful and wise counsel in any context, highlighting the positive reception of integrity in communication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a kiss on the lips or mouth was a common gesture of profound respect, honor, agreement, or deep appreciation, rather than exclusively romantic affection. It could signify a covenant, loyalty, or a warm welcome. For example, [Jacob kissed Rachel](/genesis/29-11 "Genesis 29:11 - Jacob Kisses Rachel") upon meeting her, and [Esau kissed Jacob](/genesis/33-4 "Genesis 33:4 - Esau Kisses Jacob") in reconciliation. This cultural understanding elevates the "kissing of lips" in Proverbs 24:26 from a mere pleasantry to a powerful symbol of profound affirmation and honor bestowed upon someone whose words are deemed truly valuable and correct. The proverb reflects a societal value system where wisdom, truth, and righteous judgment were highly prized and openly acknowledged.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 24:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it champions the **Esteem of Truth and Wisdom**, reinforcing the idea that honest and correct communication is not merely tolerated but celebrated. A "right answer" implies not just factual accuracy but a response imbued with moral uprightness and discernment, echoing the call to seek wisdom found throughout the book (e.g., [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is Supreme")). Secondly, it highlights the **Positive Reception of Righteous Speech**, demonstrating that words spoken with integrity are met with honor and approval, contrasting sharply with the disdain for deceitful or perverse speech (e.g., [Proverbs 10:31](/proverbs/10-31 "Proverbs 10:31 - The Mouth of the Righteous")). Finally, the verse subtly encourages the **Cultivation of Discernment**, both in speaking truth and in recognizing and appreciating it when spoken by others, fostering a community where wise counsel is sought after and valued, much like "a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver" ([Proverbs 25:11](/proverbs/25-11 "Proverbs 25:11 - A Word Fitly Spoken")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kiss (Hebrew, _nâshaq'_):** H5401, a primitive root meaning "to kiss," literally or figuratively (touch). It can also imply a mode of attachment or equipping with weapons. In this context, it is used metaphorically to denote a strong expression of approval, respect, or affection. The act of kissing the lips signifies a direct and intimate form of affirmation, indicating profound agreement and honor.
* **Lips (Hebrew, _sâphâh'_):** H8193, meaning "the lip" (as a natural boundary); by implication, "language"; by analogy, a "margin." Here, "lips" refers to the organ of speech, symbolizing the speaker themselves or the words that issue forth from them. The phrase "kiss his lips" thus directly honors the source of the wise and truthful utterance.
* **Right (Hebrew, _nâkôach'_):** H5228, from the same root as "straightforward," meaning "equitable, correct, or integrity." It implies a response that is not merely factually accurate but also morally upright, just, and delivered with sincerity and integrity. It speaks to the quality of the answer being aligned with truth and righteousness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Every man shall kiss his lips":** This clause describes the societal response to a particular kind of communication. The action of "kissing the lips" is a powerful idiom for profound respect, honor, and affirmation. It goes beyond mere agreement, signifying deep appreciation and approval for the person and their words. It implies that such a speaker earns not just intellectual assent but also emotional and relational esteem.
* **"that giveth a right answer":** This clause defines the specific quality of communication that elicits such a high level of honor. A "right answer" (Hebrew: _dâbâr nâkôach_) is more than just a factually correct response. The term _nâkôach_ implies straightforwardness, equity, and moral uprightness. Therefore, the answer is one that is true, just, appropriate, and delivered with integrity and wisdom, often in a context of counsel, judgment, or discernment.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:26 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the act of "kissing his lips" is not to be taken literally as a physical embrace, but rather as a symbolic representation of profound respect, honor, and affirmation. This vivid imagery creates a strong emotional impact, emphasizing the high esteem in which a truthful and wise speaker is held. Additionally, the phrase functions as an **Idiom**, where the meaning of the combined words is not deducible from the individual words alone, but rather refers to a culturally understood gesture of honor and approval. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where "lips" (a part) stand for the entire person or their speech (the whole), highlighting that the honor is directed not just at the words but at the character and wisdom of the speaker from whom those words originate.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:26 profoundly connects to the biblical emphasis on truth, wisdom, and righteous speech as divine attributes and human virtues. The "right answer" is not merely human ingenuity but often reflects a alignment with divine wisdom and justice, which God desires for His people. The high regard for such an answer underscores that truth is a cornerstone of God's character and His kingdom, and that those who embody and articulate it are agents of His order and blessing in the world. It speaks to the idea that God delights in truth in the inward being (Psalm 51:6) and that His wisdom is accessible to those who seek it diligently.

* [Proverbs 12:19](/proverbs/12-19 "Proverbs 12:19 - Truthful Lips Endure")
* [Psalm 15:1-2](/psalms/15-1 "Psalm 15:1-2 - Who May Dwell on Your Holy Hill?")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Ephesians 4:25 - Speaking Truth to One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:26 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of integrity and truth in our communication. In a world often characterized by equivocation, flattery, or outright deceit, this proverb calls us to be individuals whose words are marked by honesty, wisdom, and genuine insight. It challenges us to speak "right answers"—responses that are not only factually accurate but also morally sound, just, and delivered with sincere intent. Furthermore, it encourages us to cultivate an environment where such truthful and wise counsel is not just tolerated but actively sought, appreciated, and honored. Whether in personal relationships, professional interactions, or community discourse, valuing and affirming those who speak truth fosters trust, promotes healthy outcomes, and builds a foundation of integrity, reflecting a divine order where truth is paramount.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do my words truly reflect a "right answer" – not just factually correct, but also wise, just, and delivered with integrity?**
* **In what ways can I better affirm and honor those in my life who consistently offer truthful and wise counsel, even when it might be difficult to hear?**
* **What steps can I take to foster an environment in my home, workplace, or community where truthful and discerning communication is highly valued and openly celebrated?**
* **How does my pursuit of God's truth influence the way I speak and respond to others?**

### FAQ

**What does "kiss his lips" literally mean in this context?**

Answer: While a literal kiss on the lips could occur, in the context of ancient Near Eastern culture and the wisdom literature of Proverbs, "kiss his lips" is primarily an **idiom** and **metaphor** for profound respect, honor, and affirmation. It signifies that the person who gives a "right answer" is met with deep approval and high esteem, far beyond mere agreement. It's a gesture of profound appreciation for their wisdom and integrity.

**What constitutes a "right answer" according to this proverb?**

Answer: A "right answer" (Hebrew: _dâbâr nâkôach_) is more than just a factually correct statement. The term _nâkôach_ implies straightforwardness, equity, and moral uprightness. Therefore, a "right answer" is one that is truthful, just, appropriate for the situation, and delivered with integrity and wisdom. It's an answer that aligns with righteousness and contributes positively to the situation, often in the context of counsel, judgment, or discerning advice, as seen in the surrounding verses of [Proverbs 24](/proverbs/24 "Proverbs 24 - Sayings of the Wise").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the "right answer," the **Logos** (Word) of God made flesh, through whom all things were created and in whom all truth resides ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God") and [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Unlike human counsel, which can be flawed, Christ's words are always perfectly true, just, and full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). When Jesus spoke, whether in teaching, rebuking, or comforting, His "answers" were consistently "right"—they revealed God's will, exposed sin, offered redemption, and pointed to eternal life. The "kissing of lips" in the proverb, signifying profound honor and acceptance, is mirrored in the divine affirmation Jesus received, as when the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). Furthermore, those who believe in Christ and receive His words of truth are called to be His disciples, to "abide in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" ([John 8:31-32](/john/8-31 "John 8:31 - Abiding in His Word")). Thus, Christ is not only the source of all right answers but also the one to whom all true wisdom ultimately points, inviting us to "kiss his lips" in spiritual devotion and obedience.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 15:23

¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!

Genesis 41:38

And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find [such a one] as this [is], a man in whom the Spirit of God [is]?

Genesis 41:57

And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy [corn]; because that the famine was [so] sore in all lands.

Proverbs 25:11

¶ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 25:12

[As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Job 6:25

How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove?

Proverbs 16:1

¶ The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.