While kisses may not always be appreciated — like Judas’ betrayal kiss of Jesus — “a kiss on the lips” is rather special. Under normal circumstances, we won’t accept “a kiss on the lips” if we don’t want it!
Of course, what makes such a kiss so meaningful is based on who’s actually doing the kissing! So we’ll consider the “kiss on the lips” in this wise saying to be a very good thing!
In our verse, this kiss is likened to “an honest answer” — a response that is “upright” or “straight.” While honest answers are appreciated in general, they are especially meaningful from those who matter to us — like the ones from whom we would willingly receive a kiss!
For me the message of this wise saying is pretty straightforward. While everyone won’t appreciate a kiss on the lips from me today, they probably would appreciate an honest answer!
I’ll work on that!