Does my bum look big in this?

Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer is like a kiss of friendship.

What's the question men most dread being asked by their wife? "Does my bum look big in this?" It feels like a trap. How do you answer a question like that?

Well I've found there is only one way to answer it. Be honest. Now being honest doesn't mean being tactless. There's the obvious need to be sensitive, encouraging and diplomatic. But if you lie to this question what does it mean when you say "you look lovely today". How do they believe you. Do you really mean this or just saying it to sound good. It's a simple application of a biblical principle but so often we can think God's word only works in the big issues but God's word is true in all circumstances.

Proverbs says an honest answer is like a friends kids. When we are people of our word, our yes is yes and our no is no, we can be relied upon. We stand for integrity. Why would a friend lie to someone? We can tell ourselves we lie to help the other person feel good. But in all honesty we are placing short term gratification over long term deep friendship. Our honesty, both tough and lovely statements, are like a friends kiss.

If you're going to apply this to the difficult marital question for the first time. Go with caution, if its the first time. You've probably overly developed your honesty beyond your tact. Both are required!