But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and a good blessing will come upon them. (25) He who gives a right answer kisses the lips. (Pro 24:25-26)
This passage from the Bible has a couple of good spiritual points to make.
- The first recommends that we admonish those who commit evil, depraved, or heinous acts, rather than justifying or remaining neutral to what they do. Verse 24 says that that when we reprove the wicked, a blessing will come upon us.
- The second point (v. 25 above) is shown like this in a reverse interlinear: “Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.” In short, this means that plain, direct words are preferable to deceptive or ambiguous ones. And that when someone speaks plainly to us, we should appreciate and value them.
The “right answer” spoken of here is an answer that is filled with the wisdom of God. The more we are acquainted with the Bible and familiar with the voice of the Holy Spirit, the easier it will be to recognize and value a “right answer” when we hear it.
All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. 9 They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold . . . (Pro 8:8-10, emphasis added)
I believe that the purpose of these two verses is to help us to remember that ALL of the words of our lips are colossally important, both in the natural and spiritual realms. Additionally, the Lord is giving us His advice on when to be critical of someone’s actions, as well as when to welcome and to be grateful for wise counsel or a useful and eye-opening insight.
By God’s empowering gift of grace, we’ll know when and how to apply this biblical wisdom.
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