Proverbs 24:26 – Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
The New English Bible translates, “A straightforward answer is as good as a kiss of friendship.” A kiss in our society signals affection, often, sexual affection. But in many societies a kiss represents allegiance or friendship, with no erotic meaning. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss pretending loyal friendship (Luke 22:47-48). Peter told church members “to greet one another with a kiss of love (I Peter 5:14);” Paul said to “greet one another with a holy kiss (II Corinthians 13:12).” The equivalent gesture in American society for a long time was a handshake. More recently it has become a hug. So, “Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips,” means that honest and straightforward answers show true loyalty and friendship.
Why does this seemingly obvious fact need stating? Many people do not want honest answers and may even interpret them as indications of hostility. When I was a high school mathematics teacher, a member of the central Administration met with our department to ask our opinion of a new approach to teaching. Knowing full well what was expected of us, we nevertheless gave our honest opinion, hearing back later from our school Principal that we had further cemented our reputation as “not team players” “afraid of change,” “negative people” always opposed to new ideas.
One of the dangers powerful people face is subordinates who tell them only what they think their bosses want to hear. Not hearing bad news, or honest evaluations of plans, the bosses then make mistakes and fail. Often in life the bearers of bad news get punished for the bad news, so they don’t deliver it (see II Samuel 18:19-33, I Kings 22:8-28). Even bosses, or friends, fear giving an honest opinion or disappointing news that will disappoint their hearers. In the short run, they get treated as friends. But in reality they have not been loyal, because allowing someone to go on in ignorance, or to continue to play the game of “let’s pretend” with the facts, only brings disappointment and failure.
Solomon, therefore, wants both questioner and respondent to grasp a basic truth: the true and loyal friend, the reliable and useful subordinate, the trustworthy boss, is the one who speaks with straightforward honesty, especially when he knows that what he has to say will not be welcome. He encourages the one who answers to be courageous in his loyalty and to speak the truth. He encourages the one who hears something unpleasant to recall that, “Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.” Such people he should value highly. They are his friends.
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Dr. Bill Edgar, former chair of the Geneva College Board of Trustees, former Geneva College President and longtime pastor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA)
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Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.
Feb 1, 2021Faithful Doubt: Habakkuk, written by pastor Travis Scott, explores the short prophetic book of Habakkuk, in a practical and meaningful way through the lens of a doubter. Travis approaches the passage of scripture from an honest and humble perspective, recalling difficulties experienced as a husband, father, and pastor.
Dr. J. Ligon Duncan of Reformed Theological Seminary delivered the spring 2021 Commencement address at Geneva College on May 10, 2021. Here is an excerpt of that message, entitled, "Every Good Work," from 2 Timothy 3. This excerpt first appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of Geneva Magazine.
When the Bible teaches one thing and your “instincts,” as it were, disagree, whose wisdom do you trust, your own or God’s? Do we really need to be told not to trust in our own minds? Yes, because we want to trust ourselves, and because in our day putatively wise people constantly tell us that high self-esteem brings success.
When the Bible teaches one thing and your “instincts,” as it were, disagree, whose wisdom do you trust, your own or God’s? Do we really need to be told not to trust in our own minds? Yes, because we want to trust ourselves, and because in our day putatively wise people constantly tell us that high self-esteem brings success.
As busy as college students are, it can be profoundly beneficial for them to seek out and engage in a routine Bible study. Diving deeper into their faith, exploring what the world’s challenges mean to them, and creating a Christian-based path forward can give any college student the direction he or she needs to achieve their best life. Still, it’s not always easy to make that decision—instead of a night with friends or yet another study session for a high-level math class, go to Bible study instead.
What should someone with wealth do? Solomon writes, “Pay attention to it and know its condition.” He uses the example of sheep and goats. Wise parents blessed with wealth will teach their children how to work to maintain it. Wise children will accept the burdens of responsibility that go with family wealth, always remembering that riches do not last forever.
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