“Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.”
In 50 years of friendship I have never heard Jason say a negative thing about anyone. Consider that for a minute. Not about a political situation. Not about a religious disagreement. Not even during the few occasions someone has attacked him, and I mean few because who attacks a person like that. In this verse Solomon is not encouraging false flattery. He is letting us know that even kings, maybe especially kings, appreciate truthful and clear conversation and counsel. Think how rare that can be especially for those in charge. Early in my life I could definitely be guilty of trying to flavor the information I passed along to my bosses so that they received the most positive picture possible. Over time I realized that the truly good ones, those I wanted to work for, appreciated the clear, unvarnished truth. Good or bad they just wanted to be aware. In my marriage I learned the same lesson. Jennifer did not need me trying to create an image of our finances or my work status. She just needed to know where we stood. The fact that the only surprises in our marriage came on birthdays and holidays was comforting for her soul and solidifying for our hearts. About 25 years ago I made a conscious decision to remove phrases like “honestly, to be honest, to tell the truth, truth be told” and every conceivable variation of them. I realized they we’re communicating that at times I must be being less than truthful. God wants us to always tell the clear truth no matter what. Others might not like what they hear but they ultimately want to know. Jesus even referred to Himself as The Truth. Today let’s reflect Him by being truthful. #BeTheEdge
“I am…the truth…” Jesus