An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. Proverbs 24:26, TLV
Kissy. Kissy! This seems like an odd proverb, doesn’t it? There are some cultural contexts that I’m sure play a role in the significance of a kiss on the lips. Not all kisses on the lips are romantic.
As I thought about why one would respond with a kiss on the lips that is not of the romantic nature, I figured whether romantic or not it is emotion driven.
Can we get emotional about honesty? Oh yes! Especially when all around us are lies, half-truths (which still are lies in my book–er, His Book), silence, and deflections.
How utterly refreshing is someone who is completely, unashamedly honest. Children can be honest, especially the reactive ones.
Just tell me!
Don’t you sometimes crave honesty? Have you ever had a 
conversation where someone is dancing around telling you the truth because they don’t want to hurt your feelings? We don’t always want to know the truth, but if we truly do, that shuffle around our feelings can be frustrating.
I remember a pivotal, life-changing conversation with someone I respected. I wanted the truth. The other person hemmed and hawed. Finally, I begged them to tell me. It hurt like the dickens, but I could have kissed them for giving me an honest response. It helped me to move on to restoration and healing. Ah! Now the passage makes sense.
If someone truly wants an honest answer or opinion, be sure to couch it with love and respect. Brutal honesty has its place, but in most situations giving a response laced with hope is preferred. At least for me. How about you?
Think More About It
Have you ever had an event where someone gave you a truthful answer, and you were so grateful you wanted to kiss them?
Kiss. Kiss. Thank you for your honest comments. Thanks for your shares.
