“An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.” Proverbs 24:26 (NLT)
“He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.” Proverbs 24:26(NKJV)
We often think that we’re protecting friends or loved ones when we leave out certain details, or we may bend the truth to avoid hurting someone. But this particular verse says that honesty is like a kiss. Solomon is saying that when we give honest straightforward answers, we are being a true friend. But we have to remember to always speak the truth in love, especially when it comes down to the other person’s feelings. Amen? Can you think of some situations when brutal honesty not spoken in love ended in a negative way? I certainly can… still working on that. Speaking the truth in love, even at the risk of offense, represents a great gesture. There’s always the risk, that by speaking out of concern in love, you will sever a relationship. To be a follower of Christ, speak the truth in love.
“Do your planning and prepare your fields before building your house.” Proverbs 24: 27
I think this verse in Proverbs speaks of timing- wrong timing and good timing. We have to carry out or perform our work in its proper order. What I mean by this is it’s possible to work hard and still lose everything if the timing is wrong or the resources to carry it out are not in place. For example, if someone is struggling to grow their new business and decides to invest in a new house at the same time… things may take a wrong turn, and they may lose both- all because of bad timing. If a farmer builds his house in the spring, he will miss the planting season and go a year without food. This verse gives us plenty of food for thought… Think good timing.
“And don’t say, ‘Now I can pay them back for what they have done to me! I’ll get even with them!” Proverbs 24:29
Didn’t God say vengeance is His? Revenge is the way the world operates, but it’s not God’s way.
