Proverbs 24:26

One paraphrase of this verse is as follows: "The right word spoken seals all, like a kiss on the lips." [Note: Knox cited by Kidner, p. 156. See Waltke, The Book . . . 31, p. 293, for information about kissing customs in the ancient Near East.] Truthful speech is a mark of friendship.

"As a sincere kiss shows affection and is desirable, so an honest (and perhaps straightforward) answer shows a person’s concern and therefore is welcomed." [Note: Buzzell, p. 959.]