Proverbs 6:21

6:21 Bind them ¹  on your heart continually;

fasten them around your neck.

Proverbs 23:19

23:19 Listen, my child, ²  and be wise,

and guide your heart on the right way.

Proverbs 24:26

24:26 Like a kiss on the lips ³ 

is the one who gives an honest answer.

[6:21]  ¹ sn The figures used here are hypocatastases (implied comparisons). There may also be an allusion to Deut 6 where the people were told to bind the law on their foreheads and arms. The point here is that the disciple will never be without these instructions. See further, P. W. Skehan, Studies in Israelite Poetry and Wisdom (CBQMS), 1-8.

[23:19]  ² tn Heb “my son,” but the immediate context does not limit this to male children.

[24:26]  ³ tn Heb “the one who returns right words kisses the lips.” This is an implied comparison for giving an honest answer. Honesty is like a kiss. The kiss would signify love, devotion, sincerity, and commitment (in that culture) – an outward expression of what is in the heart. It is an apt illustration of telling the truth. Some English versions now replace the figure to avoid cultural misunderstanding (cf. TEV, CEV “a sign of true friendship”; NLT “an honor”).