Proverbs 24:26
An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
BSB
ASV
He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer.
KJV
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer. Either as a witness to a question put to him in court, to which he answers aptly and uprightly; or rather as a judge, who, having heard a cause, answers and gives his opinion of it faithfully, and pronounces a righteous sentence; everyone will love and respect him, and hearken to him and obey him; both affection and obedience are signified by a kiss; see Psa 2:12.
Better, 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 2Sa 15:1-6.
Rare words are the text's own signal of a deliberate thread: the fewer the occurrences, the more the places it appears belong together.
The walk8
Follow this verse’s cross-references two steps out. Each card is a verse this one points to, and beneath it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several different paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it. Every stop shows its own words, and every stop is a page.
Through
Proverbs 16:1The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD.
leads to
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
A man’s steps are from the LORD, so how can anyone understand his own way?
Through
Proverbs 15:23A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!
leads to
The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.
Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.