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Proverbs 16:24
Verse
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Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
24 A honeycomb are pleasant words, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones. Honeycomb, i.e., honey flowing from the צוּף, the comb or cell (favus), is otherwise designated, Psa 19:11. מתוק, with מרפּא, is neut. אמרי־נעם are, according to Pro 15:26, words which love suggests, and which breathe love. Such words are sweet to the soul of the hearer, and bring strength and healing to his bones (Pro 15:30); for מרפא is not only that which restores soundness, but also that which preserves and advances it (cf. θεραπεία, Rev 22:2).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,.... Jarchi interprets it of the words of the law; but it may be much better understood of the doctrines of the Gospel; such as the doctrines of God's everlasting love, eternal election, the covenant of grace, the person of Christ as God-man; of peace and reconciliation by his blood; of remission of sins through his atoning sacrifice; of justification by his righteousness; of life and salvation by his obedience, sufferings, and death; all the doctrines of grace, which show that salvation in all its parts is owing entirely to the free grace of God; these are all pleasant to the ear of him that knows the joyful sound, and to the taste of everyone that has tasted that the Lord is gracious. The precious promises of the Gospel may be meant; which are free and unconditional, irrevocable, and immutable, never fail of accomplishment; are yea and amen in Christ, and are suited to the various cases of God's people; these are very pleasant and delightful, when they are fitly spoken, and seasonably applied. Moreover, the speech of such as are wise in heart, true believers in Christ; their words, whether expressed in prayer or in praise, are pleasant to the Lord, and very grateful and acceptable to him: so their speech one to another, when about spiritual things; when it is with grace, then it ministers grace, and is very pleasant. Now all these, and especially the doctrines of the Gospel, are as "an honeycomb"; they are like unto it for the manner of its production; it is wrought and filled by the laborious bee, which goes from flower to flower, and gathers honey, and brings it into the hive, and there disposes of it: so laborious ministers of the Gospel gather their doctrines from the sacred Scriptures, which they diligently search, and go from one to another, and gather something from each; and, being richly laden with the fulness of the blessing Of the Gospel of Christ, bring it into the hive of the church, and there feed men with knowledge and understanding: and the doctrines of the Gospel are like unto the honeycomb for the manner of its communication, by dropping freely, gradually, and constantly; so Gospel ministers drop the pleasant words of the Gospel freely, and without pressing, having no other constraint but love to Christ and the souls of men; they do it gradually, as men are able to bear; and constantly preach the word, in season and out of season: and as the honey which drops from the honeycomb is the choicest honey, called "life honey"; such are the truths of the Gospel, they are excellent things, the most excellent. Likewise these are as the honeycomb for the honey in it; they are like the honey out of the rock the Israelites ate of; and like that out of the lion Samson fed upon; and like that which Jonathan tasted, that enlightened his eyes. The Gospel flows from Christ, the Rock; and is to be found in him, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and as slain, and has an enlightening virtue in it; and particularly these pleasant words are said to be as the honeycomb for its sweetness and healthfulness, as follows: sweet to the soul, and health to the bones; they are "sweet" to the "soul" of him that understands them, and that has a spiritual taste of them; not to a natural and unregenerate man, whose natural taste remains in him, and is not changed; who calls evil good, and good evil; puts bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter; to him the doctrines of the Gospel are insipid, tasteless, and disagreeable things: nor are they sweet to a carnal professor; who, though he may express some value for them, has no spiritual gust and relish of them; but to them that believe, to whom Christ is precious, who have tasted that he is gracious; to these they are sweet, even sweeter than the honey or the honeycomb, Psa 19:10. And they are "health to the bones"; they are the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus; they are the means of curing the diseases of the mind; of healing wounded spirits, and broken hearts, and broken bones; they make the bones which were broken to rejoice; what heals the bones strengthens the whole man, a man's strength lying much in his bones; these strengthen the inward man, cause believers to go from strength to strength, and to hold on and persevere to the end.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The pleasant words here commended must be those which the heart of the wise teaches, and adds learning to (Pro 16:23), words of seasonable advice, instruction, and comfort, words taken from God's word, for that is it which Solomon had learned from his father to account sweeter than honey and the honey-comb, Psa 19:10. These words, to those that know how to relish them, 1. Are pleasant. They are like the honey-comb, sweet to the soul, which tastes in them that the Lord is gracious; nothing more grateful and agreeable to the new man than the word of God, and those words which are borrowed from it, Psa 119:103. 2. They are wholesome. Many things are pleasant that are not profitable, but these pleasant words are health to the bones, to the inward man, as well as sweet to the soul. They make the bones, which sin has broken and put out of joint, to rejoice. The bones are the strength of the body; and the good word of God is a means of spiritual strength, curing the diseases that weaken us.
Proverbs 16:24
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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Lord's Return
By Charles Anderson98100:00Second ComingPRO 16:24PRO 27:17ISA 53:5MAT 5:13MAT 6:33JHN 14:21CO 11:26In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a substitute teacher who asked a question about the walls of Jericho and a student confidently volunteered to knock them down. The speaker then transitions to discussing signs that indicate the nearness of the tribulation period. He recommends a book by Charles Colson called "Against the Night" which highlights the corruption and potential collapse of Western civilization. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of paying attention to what is happening in Israel, as it relates to God's covenant people. Additionally, the speaker mentions the increasing ignorance of the word of God in general society as a preparation for the great tribulation period.
Gv on Proverbs
By George Verwer96037:36ProverbsPRO 14:12PRO 15:1PRO 15:18PRO 16:24PRO 16:28PRO 28:26JAS 1:19In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use it as a weapon against temptation, just as Jesus did. The speaker also emphasizes the need for peace and integrity in our actions, citing the verse "There's a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is the way of death." He concludes by reminding the audience that their time belongs to God and should be used wisely for eternal purposes, rather than wasting it on idle activities.
Seeking the Good of His People, and Speaking
By F.B. Meyer1PeaceKindnessEST 10:3PSA 34:14PRO 16:24MAT 5:9ROM 12:10PHP 4:7COL 3:121TH 5:11HEB 12:14JAS 3:18F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking the good of others and speaking peace into their lives. He encourages adopting a mindset of self-sacrifice and thoughtfulness, suggesting that small acts of kindness can prepare hearts for the Gospel. Meyer highlights the need to soothe troubled souls with words of sympathy and to maintain a law of kindness in our speech. He urges listeners to actively pursue peace and allow God's peace to guard their hearts and minds. Ultimately, he calls for a collective effort to uplift those around us, reflecting the love of Christ.
The Sweetness of the Lips
By A.B. Simpson0Spiritual HealthEmotional Well-beingPSA 34:14PRO 16:24ISA 26:3MAT 6:34ROM 12:22CO 10:5GAL 5:22PHP 4:7JAS 3:161PE 5:7A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound connection between our spiritual and physical well-being, warning that even minor spiritual ailments can disrupt the flow of divine life within us. He highlights the detrimental effects of negative emotions such as worry, malice, and jealousy, which can drain our vitality more than physical exertion. Simpson advocates for cultivating a spirit of pleasantness, tranquility, and the peace of God, which are essential for maintaining health. He encourages listeners to guard against spiritual infections and to dedicate themselves to God's work to experience abundant life and strength.
The Word That Was Not Said
By J.R. Miller0The Power of WordsEncouragement and AffirmationPSA 19:14PRO 12:18PRO 15:23PRO 16:24MAT 12:36EPH 4:29COL 4:61TH 5:11HEB 3:13JAS 4:17J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of the words we fail to say, highlighting that many sins stem from inaction, particularly in our speech. He urges believers to confess the things left undone, especially the kind and encouraging words that could uplift others. Miller reflects on the pain caused by unspoken affirmations and the moral cowardice that prevents us from defending our loved ones or expressing our affection. He calls for a more open expression of love and appreciation, warning that withholding such words can lead to deep emotional wounds. Ultimately, he encourages us to cultivate a habit of speaking words of encouragement and love while we still have the chance.
The Ministry of Well-Wishing
By J.R. Miller0Transforming Good Wishes into ActionThe Power of WordsPRO 16:24MAT 5:16ROM 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 4:29PHP 4:8COL 3:121TH 5:11JAS 1:191PE 4:10J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of expressing well-wishes and kind words to others, noting that many people harbor good intentions but fail to vocalize them, which can lead to missed opportunities to uplift those around us. He highlights that true blessings come from heartfelt wishes that are transformed into actions and prayers, rather than mere empty words. Miller encourages believers to cultivate a heart filled with Christ's love, which will naturally overflow into their interactions, providing light and joy even in difficult circumstances. He warns against the tendency to wait until it's too late to express love and support, urging that we should actively share our good wishes to strengthen and inspire others. Ultimately, he asserts that true happiness and fulfillment stem from a heart aligned with Christ, allowing us to shine brightly in the world.
"So Spake"
By Samuel Logan Brengle0The Power of the SpiritEffective PreachingPRO 16:24JHN 3:16ACT 14:1ACT 20:21ROM 1:142CO 4:132CO 5:14PHP 2:172TI 1:121PE 3:15Samuel Logan Brengle emphasizes the profound impact of the apostles' preaching in Iconium, attributing their success to three key elements: their manner, matter, and spirit. He highlights that their gracious and persuasive manner won the hearts of many, while their message was filled with the joy and seriousness of the Gospel, calling for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Brengle asserts that the right spirit, fueled by love and faith, was the driving force behind their ability to inspire a multitude to believe. He encourages preachers to cultivate a heartfelt connection to God, as it shapes both their message and delivery. Ultimately, Brengle concludes that a heart filled with love for God and others is essential for effective ministry.
The Matter of Conversation.
By J.R. Miller0Communication in the Christian LifeThe Power of WordsPSA 19:14PRO 10:19PRO 15:1PRO 16:24PRO 18:21ECC 3:4MAT 12:34EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 1:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of our speech, urging that every word should be gracious and beneficial, as our manner of speaking can greatly influence how our message is received. He highlights the importance of both the manner and matter of conversation, noting that a pure heart is essential for speaking wholesome words. Miller warns against idle talk and encourages believers to use their speech to uplift and inspire others, reflecting Christ's love and grace. He also stresses the role of the home in shaping our speech habits, advocating for a nurturing environment that fosters kind and respectful communication. Ultimately, he calls for a mindful approach to conversation, where even light-hearted exchanges can carry a meaningful message.
Encouraging Others
By Zac Poonen0PSA 34:8PRO 16:24MAT 8:10LUK 7:47LUK 22:28ACT 14:221CO 1:41CO 1:10EPH 4:29Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of strengthening others through a ministry of encouragement, following the examples of Paul, Barnabas, and Jesus who appreciated and praised individuals for their faith, love, and devotion. By focusing on the positive aspects of others, we can cultivate a habit of noticing and appreciating their good qualities, ultimately fostering better human relationships and unity in the body of Christ.
The Power of a Kind Word
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PRO 12:25PRO 16:24ECC 10:12EPH 4:29COL 4:6Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the power of kind words, emphasizing how they can uplift and bring joy to others, contrasting heaviness in the heart with the gladness that good words can bring. She highlights the rarity of consistently speaking kind words in a world filled with sharpness and bitterness, pointing out that with the help of grace, forming a habit of kindness is achievable and long-lasting. Tileston encourages aligning oneself with the image of Christ Jesus as a source of sweetness that naturally flows to those around us.
The Misuse of the Gift of Speech
By J.R. Miller0The Power of SpeechUsing Words WiselyPSA 19:14PRO 10:19PRO 15:1PRO 16:24PRO 18:21ISA 53:7MAT 12:36EPH 4:29COL 4:6JAS 3:5J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound gift of speech, highlighting its potential for both good and harm. He notes that while speech can inspire and uplift, it is often misused through negativity, gossip, and idle words that fail to reflect the character of Christ. Miller urges listeners to recognize the power of their words, as they can either bring hope or cause pain, and stresses the importance of speaking truthfully and kindly. He challenges the audience to evaluate their speech and to use it as a tool for encouragement and edification, rather than criticism and harm.
Stop Talking About Evil
By Bakht Singh0PRO 11:13PRO 15:4PRO 16:24EPH 4:29JAS 1:26Bakht Singh emphasizes the importance of using words that build up and provide what is needed, rather than harmful words that can cause damage. He warns against the dangers of unrestricted freedom of expression and the negative impact it can have on society's moral and ethical values. Using real-life examples, he illustrates how irresponsible news coverage can lead to further sin and scandal, urging for discretion and wisdom in speech. Bakht Singh highlights the need for Christians to refrain from spreading gossip and slander, as it not only harms the individual but also weakens the community.
The Home Conversation
By J.R. Miller0Home LifeThe Power of WordsPRO 12:18PRO 15:1PRO 16:24PRO 18:21PRO 25:11MAT 12:36EPH 4:29EPH 5:4COL 4:6JAS 1:19J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical role of conversation in the home, arguing that while families invest in physical comforts and education, they often neglect the power of their words. He highlights the need for loving, thoughtful speech to foster a nurturing environment, warning against the destructive nature of harsh words and strife. Miller calls for families to cultivate enriching conversations that inspire and educate, particularly during shared meals, to create a warm and uplifting atmosphere. He stresses that the quality of home conversation can significantly influence the character and relationships within the family. Ultimately, he encourages families to be intentional about their speech, aiming for kindness and thoughtfulness in every interaction.
Homily 9 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0JOB 26:7PSA 19:1PRO 16:24ISA 40:12JER 5:22MAT 5:16ROM 1:20EPH 4:291TH 2:8John Chrysostom commends those who have stopped swearing, emphasizing the importance of caring for the salvation of others and the need for constant vigilance in upholding moral standards. He addresses the misconception that hearing the divine oracles in church after a meal is inappropriate, highlighting the significance of sobriety and reverence in approaching spiritual matters. Chrysostom explains the delay in the delivery of the Holy Scriptures, attributing it to God's desire to teach through creation, as seen in the natural world where the heavens declare the glory of God. He admonishes against swearing, urging believers to glorify God through pure conduct and to be diligent in eradicating the habit of oaths.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
24 A honeycomb are pleasant words, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bones. Honeycomb, i.e., honey flowing from the צוּף, the comb or cell (favus), is otherwise designated, Psa 19:11. מתוק, with מרפּא, is neut. אמרי־נעם are, according to Pro 15:26, words which love suggests, and which breathe love. Such words are sweet to the soul of the hearer, and bring strength and healing to his bones (Pro 15:30); for מרפא is not only that which restores soundness, but also that which preserves and advances it (cf. θεραπεία, Rev 22:2).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Pro 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,.... Jarchi interprets it of the words of the law; but it may be much better understood of the doctrines of the Gospel; such as the doctrines of God's everlasting love, eternal election, the covenant of grace, the person of Christ as God-man; of peace and reconciliation by his blood; of remission of sins through his atoning sacrifice; of justification by his righteousness; of life and salvation by his obedience, sufferings, and death; all the doctrines of grace, which show that salvation in all its parts is owing entirely to the free grace of God; these are all pleasant to the ear of him that knows the joyful sound, and to the taste of everyone that has tasted that the Lord is gracious. The precious promises of the Gospel may be meant; which are free and unconditional, irrevocable, and immutable, never fail of accomplishment; are yea and amen in Christ, and are suited to the various cases of God's people; these are very pleasant and delightful, when they are fitly spoken, and seasonably applied. Moreover, the speech of such as are wise in heart, true believers in Christ; their words, whether expressed in prayer or in praise, are pleasant to the Lord, and very grateful and acceptable to him: so their speech one to another, when about spiritual things; when it is with grace, then it ministers grace, and is very pleasant. Now all these, and especially the doctrines of the Gospel, are as "an honeycomb"; they are like unto it for the manner of its production; it is wrought and filled by the laborious bee, which goes from flower to flower, and gathers honey, and brings it into the hive, and there disposes of it: so laborious ministers of the Gospel gather their doctrines from the sacred Scriptures, which they diligently search, and go from one to another, and gather something from each; and, being richly laden with the fulness of the blessing Of the Gospel of Christ, bring it into the hive of the church, and there feed men with knowledge and understanding: and the doctrines of the Gospel are like unto the honeycomb for the manner of its communication, by dropping freely, gradually, and constantly; so Gospel ministers drop the pleasant words of the Gospel freely, and without pressing, having no other constraint but love to Christ and the souls of men; they do it gradually, as men are able to bear; and constantly preach the word, in season and out of season: and as the honey which drops from the honeycomb is the choicest honey, called "life honey"; such are the truths of the Gospel, they are excellent things, the most excellent. Likewise these are as the honeycomb for the honey in it; they are like the honey out of the rock the Israelites ate of; and like that out of the lion Samson fed upon; and like that which Jonathan tasted, that enlightened his eyes. The Gospel flows from Christ, the Rock; and is to be found in him, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, and as slain, and has an enlightening virtue in it; and particularly these pleasant words are said to be as the honeycomb for its sweetness and healthfulness, as follows: sweet to the soul, and health to the bones; they are "sweet" to the "soul" of him that understands them, and that has a spiritual taste of them; not to a natural and unregenerate man, whose natural taste remains in him, and is not changed; who calls evil good, and good evil; puts bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter; to him the doctrines of the Gospel are insipid, tasteless, and disagreeable things: nor are they sweet to a carnal professor; who, though he may express some value for them, has no spiritual gust and relish of them; but to them that believe, to whom Christ is precious, who have tasted that he is gracious; to these they are sweet, even sweeter than the honey or the honeycomb, Psa 19:10. And they are "health to the bones"; they are the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus; they are the means of curing the diseases of the mind; of healing wounded spirits, and broken hearts, and broken bones; they make the bones which were broken to rejoice; what heals the bones strengthens the whole man, a man's strength lying much in his bones; these strengthen the inward man, cause believers to go from strength to strength, and to hold on and persevere to the end.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The pleasant words here commended must be those which the heart of the wise teaches, and adds learning to (Pro 16:23), words of seasonable advice, instruction, and comfort, words taken from God's word, for that is it which Solomon had learned from his father to account sweeter than honey and the honey-comb, Psa 19:10. These words, to those that know how to relish them, 1. Are pleasant. They are like the honey-comb, sweet to the soul, which tastes in them that the Lord is gracious; nothing more grateful and agreeable to the new man than the word of God, and those words which are borrowed from it, Psa 119:103. 2. They are wholesome. Many things are pleasant that are not profitable, but these pleasant words are health to the bones, to the inward man, as well as sweet to the soul. They make the bones, which sin has broken and put out of joint, to rejoice. The bones are the strength of the body; and the good word of God is a means of spiritual strength, curing the diseases that weaken us.