“Kisses” (5401a) have different significance in different cultures. For us the context is romance and sexual expression. We think of “french” kissing and wet kisses and all kinds of other terms that get our libidos roaring. In some cultures it is just a form of greeting. Even two men who would kill each other if given the chance will greet each other with a kiss. So broaden your mind a little.
In the OT it is used 34 times and except for once in Proverbs dealing with adultery and twice in the Song of Solomon I could not find any place where it was connected with romance. In fact it was usually men kissing men in greeting or as a sign of submission.
Some of the paraphrases get the nuance. For instance the Good News Bible,
(Proverbs 24:26 GNB) An honest answer is a sign of true friendship.We should welcome people who are capable of speaking the truth. I would go so far as to say we should reject people who cannot tell the truth.
So? Be honest. Speak truth, not to power but to righteousness.
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