Proverbs 24:23-26 (ESV)
These also are sayings of the wise.
Partiality in judging is not good.
Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
and a good blessing will come upon them.
Whoever gives an honest answer
kisses the lips.
This is an interesting set of proverbs in light of our current societal woes. There seems to be a lack of leadership wanting to say what is right and wrong. Instead of standing up for moral right our leadership today seems to either not know what is right or wants to change the meaning of what is right. That is probably true of all societies, at some point. But, having “partially” in leadership is, as this proverb states, is “not good.” Changing the meaning and definitions of established words is “not good.” Saying to the wicked, “you are right,” is “not good.”
Note the contrast found, however, in these proverbs. If we “give an house answer” it is like “kissing the lips.” Who doesn’t like a great kiss? The metaphor here is plan and simple, when we twist truth and call wickedness, right, we do ourselves harm and will be cursed and abhorred by the people (or, we should be). But, when we speak truth and call wickedness what it is (wickedness) we are doing others right, like kissing them. Make no mistake, you can’t lead and continually do wrong and not have harm follow. It is not right and not good.
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