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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm" title="Proverbs 16:23">◄</a> Proverbs 16:24 <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm" title="Proverbs 16:25">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/16.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words <i>are as</i> an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Pleasant words <i>are like</i> a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet <i>and</i> delightful to the soul and healing to the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Kind words are like honey--they cheer you up and make you feel strong. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Pleasant words are [like] honey from a honeycomb- sweet to the spirit and healthy for the body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Kind words are like honey--sweet to the taste and good for your health. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Pleasant words are honey from a honeycomb— sweet to the soul and healing for the body. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Pleasant words are as a honey-comb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Sayings of pleasantness [are] a honeycomb, "" Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Sayings of pleasantness are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Words of pleasantness an, honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Well ordered words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Careful words are a honeycomb: sweet to the soul and healthful to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The speech of a wise man is like honeycomb, sweet to his soul, and health to his bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The speech of the wise is a honeycomb of honey, and it is sweet to his soul and healing to his bones.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Good words are honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-24.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3223" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">23</span>The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. <span class="reftext">24</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5278.htm" title="5278: nō·‘am (N-ms) -- Delightfulness, pleasantness. From na'em; agreeableness, i.e. Delight, suitableness, splendor or grace.">Pleasant</a> <a href="/hebrew/561.htm" title="561: ’im·rê- (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From 'amar; something said.">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/6688.htm" title="6688: ṣūp̄- (N-msc) -- (honey) comb. From tsuwph; comb of honey.">are a honeycomb,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1706.htm" title="1706: də·ḇaš (N-ms) -- Honey. From an unused root meaning to be gummy; honey; by analogy, syrup."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4966.htm" title="4966: mā·ṯō·wq (Adj-ms) -- Sweet, sweetness. Or mathuwq; from mathaq; sweet.">sweet</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: lan·ne·p̄eš (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">to the soul</a> <a href="/hebrew/4832.htm" title="4832: ū·mar·pê (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- From rapha'; properly, curative, i.e. Literally a medicine, or a cure; figuratively deliverance, or placidity.">and healing</a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: lā·‘ā·ṣem (Prep-l, Art:: N-fs) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame.">to the bones.</a> </span><span class="reftext">25</span>There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a></span><br />A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Proverbs 10:32</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Psalm 19:10</a></span><br />They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-103.htm">Psalm 119:103</a></span><br />How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/songs/4-11.htm">Song of Solomon 4:11</a></span><br />Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></span><br />The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-19.htm">Isaiah 57:19</a></span><br />bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17-18</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. / Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.</p><p class="hdg">pleasant</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></b></br> There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise <i>is</i> health.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23,26</a></b></br> A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word <i>spoken</i> in due season, how good <i>is it</i>! … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm">Proverbs 23:16</a></b></br> Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.</p><p class="hdg">an</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-13.htm">Proverbs 24:13,14</a></b></br> My son, eat thou honey, because <i>it is</i> good; and the honeycomb, <i>which is</i> sweet to thy taste: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Psalm 19:10</a></b></br> More to be desired <i>are they</i> than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-103.htm">Psalm 119:103</a></b></br> How sweet are thy words unto my taste! <i>yea, sweeter</i> than honey to my mouth!</p><p class="hdg">health</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-8.htm">Proverbs 3:8</a></b></br> It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/4-22.htm">Proverbs 4:22</a></b></br> For they <i>are</i> life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Body</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Bone</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Healing</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Health</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Honeycomb</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Honey-Comb</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-22.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-20.htm">New</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Pleasantness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-19.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Sweetness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-21.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Body</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Bone</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Healing</a> <a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Health</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-13.htm">Honey</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-13.htm">Honeycomb</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-13.htm">Honey-Comb</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-31.htm">Life</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-4.htm">New</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Pleasantness</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-23.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-7.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Sweet</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Sweetness</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-27.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Pleasant words are a honeycomb</b><br>Pleasant words refer to speech that is kind, encouraging, and uplifting. In biblical times, honey was a prized commodity, known for its sweetness and health benefits. The comparison to a honeycomb suggests that pleasant words are not only sweet but also abundant and rich in goodness. In the ancient Near East, honey was often used as a symbol of prosperity and blessing, as seen in references to the "land flowing with milk and honey" (<a href="/exodus/3-8.htm">Exodus 3:8</a>). This phrase emphasizes the value and desirability of kind speech, which can bring joy and satisfaction to those who hear it.<p><b>Sweet to the soul</b><br>The soul, in biblical terms, often refers to the inner being or the essence of a person. Sweetness to the soul implies that pleasant words have a profound impact on one's emotional and spiritual well-being. This aligns with the biblical principle that words have the power to uplift and encourage, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Proverbs 12:25</a>, which states that "anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." The sweetness of pleasant words can bring comfort and joy, nourishing the soul much like honey nourishes the body.<p><b>And healing to the bones</b><br>In ancient Hebrew culture, bones were often seen as the core of physical strength and health. The phrase "healing to the bones" suggests that pleasant words can contribute to physical well-being, promoting health and vitality. This concept is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a>, which states, "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." The healing power of words is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the connection between emotional and physical health. This phrase underscores the transformative power of speech, which can bring restoration and strength to the whole person.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>- The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Understanding the agrarian and communal lifestyle of ancient Israel can help us appreciate the metaphor of honeycomb.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/honeycomb.htm">Honeycomb</a></b><br>- In ancient times, honey was a valuable and sweet commodity, often used as a symbol of abundance and pleasure. It represents the sweetness and nourishment that wise and kind words can bring.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to uplift and encourage. Just as honey is sweet and nourishing, our words can bring joy and healing to others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_speech.htm">Wisdom in Speech</a></b><br>Speaking with wisdom and kindness reflects a heart aligned with God’s will. We should strive to use our words to bless and edify those around us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/healing_through_encouragement.htm">Healing through Encouragement</a></b><br>Encouraging words can bring healing to emotional and spiritual wounds. We should be intentional in offering words that restore and build up.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_our_speech.htm">Guarding Our Speech</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to be mindful of our speech, ensuring that it reflects the love and grace of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_love.htm">Reflecting Christ’s Love</a></b><br>Our words should be a reflection of Christ’s love, offering sweetness and healing to a world in need.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_pleasant_words_like_a_honeycomb.htm">Are pleasant words like a honeycomb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_words_show_kindness_and_truth.htm">How can words reflect kindness and truth?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'one_shepherd,_one_flock'.htm">Are pleasant words like a honeycomb?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_atonement_mend_ties_with_god.htm">How can words reflect kindness and truth?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(24) <span class= "bld">Pleasant words.</span>--Comp. <a href="/proverbs/15-26.htm" title="The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.">Proverbs 15:26</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Health to the bones.--</span>Comp. <a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm" title="But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: why he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.">1Samuel 14:27</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 24.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Pleasant words are as an honeycomb</span>. "Pleasant words" are words of comforting, soothing tendency, as in ch. 15:26; <a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Psalm 19:10</a>. The writer continues his praise of apt speech. The comparison with honey is common in all languages and at all times. Thus Homer sings of Nestor ('Iliad,' 1:248, etc.) - <p><span class="accented">"The smooth-tongued chief, from whose persuasive lips<br />Sweeter than honey flowed the stream of speech."<br /><br />(Derby.)</span> So the story goes that on the lips of St. Ambrose, while still a boy, a swarm of bees settled, portending his future persuasive eloquence. Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones (<a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Proverbs 15:30</a>). The verse forms one sentence. The happy results of pleasant words are felt in body and soul. Honey in Palestine is a staple article of food, and is also used as a medicinal remedy. Of its reviving effects we read in the case of Jonathan, who from a little portion hurriedly taken as he marched on had "his eyes enlightened" (<a href="/1_samuel/14-27.htm">1 Samuel 14:27</a>). Septuagint, "Their sweetness is the healing of the soul." <p><span class="greek">Ἰατρὸς ὁ λόγος τοῦ κατά ψυχὴν πάθους</span>. <p><span class="accented">"Speech the physician of the soul's annoy."</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-24.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Pleasant</span><br /><span class="heb">נֹ֑עַם</span> <span class="translit">(nō·‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5278.htm">Strong's 5278: </a> </span><span class="str2">Agreeableness, delight, suitableness, splendor, grace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words</span><br /><span class="heb">אִמְרֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(’im·rê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_561.htm">Strong's 561: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something said</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are a honeycomb,</span><br /><span class="heb">צוּף־</span> <span class="translit">(ṣūp̄-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6688.htm">Strong's 6688: </a> </span><span class="str2">Comb of honey</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sweet</span><br /><span class="heb">מָת֥וֹק</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ṯō·wq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4966.htm">Strong's 4966: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sweet, sweetness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the soul</span><br /><span class="heb">לַ֝נֶּפֶשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lan·ne·p̄eš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and healing</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַרְפֵּ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mar·pê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4832.htm">Strong's 4832: </a> </span><span class="str2">Curative, a medicine, a cure, deliverance, placidity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the bones.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָעָֽצֶם׃</span> <span class="translit">(lā·‘ā·ṣem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6106.htm">Strong's 6106: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb sweet (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:25"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:25" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>