Proverbs 24:26
24 Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him;
25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.
An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
27 Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house.
28 Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
- KJV
- Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
- WEB
- An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
- ASV
- He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer.
- DARBY
- He kisseth the lips who giveth a right answer.
- BLB
- The lips he kisses—the one returning straightforward words.
- ÅB
- Kyss på lepper gir den som svarer med rette ord.
- OTB
- Et ærlig og oppriktig svar er like behagelig som et mildt kyss.
- B1930
- Kyss på leber gir den som svarer med rette ord.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Proverbs 15:23
A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!
Read in contextGenesis 41:38–57
So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”
Read in contextProverbs 25:11–12
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Read in contextJob 6:25
How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?
Read in contextProverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
Read in contextMark 12:32–34
“Right, Teacher,” the scribe replied. “You have stated correctly that God is One and there is no other but Him,
Read in contextDaniel 2:46–48
At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering of incense be presented to him.
Read in contextMark 12:17–18
Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.
Read in context