Proverbs 24:26

Proverbs 24:26 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
• New International Version (NIV)An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
• New King James Version (NKJV)He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

Context of Proverbs 24:26

24Whoever tells the guilty, “You are innocent”— peoples will curse him, and nations will denounce him; 25but 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. 27Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house. 28Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.

Proverbs 24:26 word by word

שְׂפָתַ֥יִם יִשָּׁ֑ק מֵ֝שִׁ֗יב דְּבָרִ֥ים נְכֹחִֽים׃Read the interlinear

• An honestנָכֹחַnâkôach · straightforwardH5228
• answerדָּבָרdâbâr · word: speakingH1697
• givenשׁוּבshûb · to return: replyH7725
• is like a kissנָשַׁקnâshaq · to kissH5401
• on the lipsשָׂפָהώâphâh ώepheth · lipsH8193

Cross-references for Proverbs 24:26

• Proverbs 15:23A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!
• Proverbs 16:1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
• Proverbs 25:11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
• Genesis 41:38So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?”
• Daniel 2:46At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him.
• Mark 12:17Then Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” And they marveled at Him.
• Job 6:25How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?

Commentaries on Proverbs 24:26

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 26Kiss his lips - Shall treat him with affection and respect.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 26Better, He shall kiss lips that giveth a right answer, i. e., he shall gain the hearts of men as much as by all outward signs of sympathy and favor. Compare 2 Samuel 15:1-6.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 23-26Verses 23-26 The wisdom God giveth, renders a man fit for his station. Every one who finds the benefit of the right answer, will be attached to him that gave it.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 26Saying 2: A true friend does not hide problems but honestly shows where you can improve. A wise person appreciates a friend's advice.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2626. kiss his lips--love and obey, do homage (Psa 2:12; So 8:1). right answer--literally, "plain words" (compare Pr 8:9), opposed to deceptive, or obscure.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 24:26

• Rulers
• Young Men

In the dictionaries

• Faint
• Respect
• Face
• Kiss
• Proverbs, the Book of
• Proverbs, Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 24

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings