Proverbs 16:24 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD
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Context
The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD
…23The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.…
Cross References
Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.Proverbs 15:4
A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.Psalm 19:10
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.Psalm 119:103
How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!Song of Solomon 4:11
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.Isaiah 50:4
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.Isaiah 57:19
bringing praise to their lips. Peace, peace to those far and near,” says the LORD, “and I will heal them.”Ephesians 4:29
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.Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.James 3:17-18
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.Matthew 12:34-37
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. ...
Treasury of Scripture
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
pleasant
Proverbs 12:18
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.
Proverbs 15:23,26
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! …
Proverbs 23:16
Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.
an
Proverbs 24:13,14
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: …
Psalm 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psalm 119:103
How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
health
Proverbs 3:8
It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
Proverbs 4:22
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.
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Body Bone Bones Healing Health Honey Honeycomb Honey-Comb Life New Pleasant Pleasantness Pleasing Sayings Soul Sweet Sweetness WordsProverbs 16
1. The Plans of the heartPleasant words are a honeycomb
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" (Exodus 3:8). This phrase emphasizes the value and desirability of kind speech, which can bring joy and satisfaction to those who hear it.
Sweet to the soul
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 Proverbs 12:25, 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.
And healing to the bones
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 Proverbs 17:22, 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.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- 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.
2. Ancient Israel
- 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.
3. Honeycomb
- 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.
Teaching Points
The Power of Words
Words have the power to uplift and encourage. Just as honey is sweet and nourishing, our words can bring joy and healing to others.
Wisdom in Speech
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.
Healing through Encouragement
Encouraging words can bring healing to emotional and spiritual wounds. We should be intentional in offering words that restore and build up.
Guarding Our Speech
As believers, we are called to be mindful of our speech, ensuring that it reflects the love and grace of Christ.
Reflecting Christ’s Love
Our words should be a reflection of Christ’s love, offering sweetness and healing to a world in need.
(24) Pleasant words.--Comp. Proverbs 15:26.
Health to the bones.--Comp. 1Samuel 14:27.
Verse 24. - Pleasant words are as an honeycomb. "Pleasant words" are words of comforting, soothing tendency, as in ch. 15:26; Psalm 19:10. 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.) -
"The smooth-tongued chief, from whose persuasive lips (Derby.)
Sweeter than honey flowed the stream of speech."
Ἰατρὸς ὁ λόγος τοῦ κατά ψυχὴν πάθους.
"Speech the physician of the soul's annoy." Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Pleasant
נֹ֑עַם (nō·‘am)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5278: Agreeableness, delight, suitableness, splendor, grace
words
אִמְרֵי־ (’im·rê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 561: Something said
are a honeycomb,
צוּף־ (ṣūp̄-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6688: Comb of honey
sweet
מָת֥וֹק (mā·ṯō·wq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4966: Sweet, sweetness
to the soul
לַ֝נֶּפֶשׁ (lan·ne·p̄eš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion
and healing
וּמַרְפֵּ֥א (ū·mar·pê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4832: Curative, a medicine, a cure, deliverance, placidity
to the bones.
לָעָֽצֶם׃ (lā·‘ā·ṣem)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6106: A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame
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Proverbs 16:24 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb sweet (Prov. Pro Pr)