James H. Cagle
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The Bible (KJV) says, “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Pro.27:5, 6).
A kiss is, a physical sign of affection, the universal symbol of love.
Kisses were given at the time of departure and separation (Gen. 31: 28, 55; Acts 20; 37). They were given at reunions (Lk. 15: 20). They were used when greeting another (Rom. 16: 16; 1 Cor. 16: 20; 2 Cor. 13: 12; 1 Thess. 5: 26; 1 Pet. 5: 14). They were given at times of great joy (Lk. 7: 38, 45). They were given when blessings were given (Gen. 48: 10-16). They were given at anointings (1 Sam. 10: 1), at times of reconciliation (Gen. 33: 4; Lk. 15: 20), and at death (Gen. 50: 1).
Kisses showed ones submission to evil (Hosea 13: 2). They show ones submission to God (Ps. 2: 12), brotherly love and fellowship (Rom. 16: 16; 1 Cor. 16: 20; 2 Cor. 13: 12; 1 Thess. 5: 26; 1 Pet. 5: 14), and utmost affection in marriage (Song. 1: 2).
Those that kissed the calves were showing submission to idolatry (Hosea 13: 2). Those that kissed the Son were showing homage and submission to the rule and authority of Jesus Christ (Ps. 2: 12). Those that kissed the brethren, kissed on the cheek, and it was a show of brotherly love and fellowship, and was called a “holy kiss” to “guard against impropriety.” Today the brethren give the right hand of fellowship when greeting one another. The kiss between husband and wife was the passionate kiss of affection (Song. 1: 2).
But a kiss can be deceitful and the one that kisses insincere. This universal symbol of love is prostituted to its lowest level when used by an enemy.
Joab feigned to kiss Amasa his cousin with the kiss of friendship, but instead killed him with his sword (2 Sam. 20: 9). There is the kiss of illicit love, when the harlot has caught her prey (Pro. 7: 13). And he is our enemy who would give the kiss of friendship or the right hand of fellowship, but would not rebuke us for our faults (Pro. 27: 5, 6).
Then there is the “Judas kiss.” That universal symbol of love was used by Judas as a symbol of betrayal. With a kiss he betrayed the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 26: 48, 49). His kiss was a deceitful act of courtesy or simulated affection that is used today as a way of betraying one thought to be a friend and ally as our enemy.
So, what’s in a kiss? There can be passion, love, friendship or hate in a kiss.
What’s In A Kiss
So what is in a kiss,
And of its use there of,
That’s known universally,
As the symbol of love?
Some kiss when saying goodbye,
At reunions and greetings,
At times of great joy,
And when giving a blessing.
They were given at anointings,
Upon reconciliations,
And at the point of death,
When our race is finally run.
One showed submission to evil,
When they kissed the golden calf.
To kiss the Son, meant giving homage,
And to bow ‘neath His staff.
There is the feigned kiss,
That opens one up for a stab.
And the passionate kiss of the spouse,
That heals that former stab.
There was that “holy kiss,”
Between brethren of the faith,
But now the hand of fellowship,
Is a sign of our good faith.
But a kiss can be deceitful,
And ones kisses insincere,
Like the kisses of a harlot,
Whose prey is someone’s dear.
And then there is the “Judas kiss,”
A deceitful act of courtesy,
Of simulated affection,
To betray a consignee.
So, what is in a kiss,
The symbol of real love?
There can be real affection,
Or hatred in the place there of.
James H. Cagle
