Both, kindness and truth are equally important. One doesn't exclude the other. We can tell the truth with kindeness and we can be kind also when you tell the truth. To exercise kindnes, we don't need to lie. To tell the truth we don't need to hurt other people feelings. So lets be truthful and kind, at the same time.

say truth kindly is best

Well according to my experiences with Asian attitude and manners I know it can be very hard to be honest and polite at the same time, as I think that's the real idea behind the question. Although there might be many situations you would have to lie to not offend someone, you should also realize that 'truth' is rather subjective than a fact. Yet, in the end you will walk a cleaner path and get farther with honesty.

Hi: I absolutely agree with Joao. Kindness and Truth go together as best friends. To be kind is something you have to practise 24/7 (24 hours during the 7 days of the week), is an attitude, is part of behaviour. Same thing with the Truth, no need to tell a lie, by no means an excuse for that, all depends how you tell it. Then, we reach to the phrase "it is not what you say, but the way you say it". This world could give a 180º turn if everybody decides to practise these both "virtues" because in this century is an old fasioned virtue and don't mean in the past did not happen, but never as a normal attitude of the day-to-day, right? Kindness and Truth pays very well, I mean that you receive the same in return, and the most important thing: you feel better, you feel fine, or as I say "you can put your head in the pillow and sleep peacefully" Life teaches and I learned this very well. Have a wonderful day!!!!! Carmen

Another thing you might consider is the importance of the 'truth' in a context. For example being honest with a little child that their painting isn't very good would rather be a rude and destructive way of honesty.