Proverbs 27:9
Proverbs 27:9 in Multiple Translations
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend that cometh of hearty counsel.
Oil and perfume make glad the heart, and the wise suggestion of a friend is sweet to the soul.
Perfume and scented oils make you feel happy, but good advice from a friend is even better.
As oyntment and perfume reioyce the heart, so doeth the sweetenes of a mans friend by hearty counsell.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, And the sweetness of one's friend — from counsel of the soul.
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Ointment and perfumes rejoice the heart: and the good counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul.
Putting olive oil and perfume on a person’s skin causes him to feel good, but having a friend who gives good advice is even better.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 27:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 27:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שֶׁ֣מֶן
וּ֭/קְטֹרֶת
יְשַׂמַּֽח
לֵ֑ב
וּ/מֶ֥תֶק
רֵ֝עֵ֗/הוּ
מֵֽ/עֲצַת
נָֽפֶשׁ
שֶׁ֣מֶן
shemen
H8081
oil
N-ms
וּ֭/קְטֹרֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
incense
Conj | N-fs
יְשַׂמַּֽח
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms
וּ/מֶ֥תֶק
metheq
H4986
sweetness
Conj | N-ms
רֵ֝עֵ֗/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
מֵֽ/עֲצַת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
Prep | N-fs
נָֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 27:9
שֶׁ֣מֶן
shemen
H8081
"oil"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
וּ֭/קְטֹרֶת
qᵉṭôreth
H7004
"incense"
Conj | N-fs
Incense refers to a sweet smoke from burning sacrifices, used in worship and perfume. It symbolizes a pleasing aroma to God, found in Leviticus and other books.
Definition: 1) incense, smoke, odour of (burning) sacrifice 1a) sweet smoke of sacrifice 1b) incense 1c) perfume
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: (sweet) incense, perfume. See also: Exodus 25:6; Numbers 7:50; Psalms 66:15.
יְשַׂמַּֽח
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
לֵ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
וּ/מֶ֥תֶק
metheq
H4986
"sweetness"
Conj | N-ms
Sweetness refers to a pleasant or enjoyable quality, like the sweetness of a ripe fruit or the pleasantness of a conversation. In Ezekiel 3:3, the prophet eats a sweet scroll, symbolizing the sweetness of God's message.
Definition: sweetness
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: sweetness. See also: Proverbs 16:21; Proverbs 27:9.
רֵ֝עֵ֗/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
מֵֽ/עֲצַת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
נָֽפֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Proverbs 27:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 27:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 27:9
Context — Do Not Boast about Tomorrow
7The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.
8Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home.
9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away. 11Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, so that I can answer him who taunts me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:23–24 | The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. |
| 2 | Proverbs 16:21 | The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant speech promotes instruction. |
| 3 | Psalms 23:5 | You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:23 | A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word! |
| 5 | Psalms 104:15 | wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face to shine, and bread that sustains his heart. |
| 6 | Song of Solomon 4:10 | How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices. |
| 7 | 2 Corinthians 2:15–16 | For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one, we are an odor of death and demise; to the other, a fragrance that brings life. And who is qualified for such a task? |
| 8 | Psalms 133:2 | It is like fine oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes. |
| 9 | Psalms 45:7–8 | You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy. All your garments are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces of ivory the harps make you glad. |
| 10 | Song of Solomon 3:6 | Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from all the spices of the merchant? |
Proverbs 27:9 Summary
[Proverbs 27:9 teaches us that certain experiences, like the smell of oil and incense, can bring us joy and comfort, just like the peace that comes from God in Philippians 4:7. The verse also reminds us that true friends can offer us wise and loving advice, which is a precious gift to our souls. By nurturing our friendships and seeking wise counsel, we can experience greater emotional and spiritual well-being, as the Bible teaches in Proverbs 22:24-25. As we cultivate deeper friendships, we can also learn to appreciate the sweetness of their counsel and the joy they bring to our lives, just as Jesus taught in John 15:13-15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of oil and incense in Proverbs 27:9?
Oil and incense in Proverbs 27:9 symbolize the joy and comfort that come from pleasant and uplifting experiences, much like the anointing oil used in Psalm 23:5 to bring comfort to the soul.
How does the sweetness of a friend relate to counsel to the soul?
The sweetness of a friend in Proverbs 27:9 refers to the wise and loving advice that a true friend can offer, which is a precious gift to the soul, as seen in Proverbs 27:10 where it advises not to forsake a friend in times of need.
What role does friendship play in our spiritual well-being according to Proverbs 27:9?
According to Proverbs 27:9, friendship plays a vital role in our spiritual well-being by providing counsel to the soul, which is essential for our emotional and spiritual health, as also emphasized in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 where two are better than one.
How can we apply the principle of Proverbs 27:9 in our daily lives?
We can apply the principle of Proverbs 27:9 by nurturing our friendships and seeking wise counsel from friends, just as the Bible teaches in Proverbs 11:14 that safety lies in having many advisers, and by being a source of joy and comfort to those around us, as seen in Matthew 25:40 where serving others is serving Jesus.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can bring joy and comfort to those around me, just like oil and incense bring joy to the heart?
- How can I cultivate deeper and more meaningful friendships in my life, and what qualities should I look for in a true friend?
- What are some ways that I can seek wise counsel from friends and mentors, and how can I discern good advice from bad?
- How can I balance the desire for pleasant experiences with the need for spiritual growth and discipline, as taught in 1 Timothy 4:7-8?
- What role does gratitude play in appreciating the sweetness of friendship, and how can I cultivate a more thankful heart, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 27:9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart,.... Meaning not the holy anointing oil for sacred use, or the perfume or incense offered on the altar of incense; but common oil or ointment used at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 27:9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
Rejoice the heart, by increasing and comforting the spirits. No less grateful and pleasant is the company and conversation of a true friend, in respect of his good and faithful counsel, which comes from his very heart and soul, and contains his most inward and serious thoughts, whereas deceitful persons give such counsels, not as they think to be best, but as most serve their lusts or designs.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man’ s friend by hearty counsel.Ver. 9. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart.] Sweet ointment, sensum afficit, spiritum reficit, cerebrum iuvat, affects the sense, refresheth the spirit, comforteth the brain. So doth the sweetness of a man’ s friend by hearty counsel.] It is as a fresh gale of sweet air to him that lives among walking dunghills, open sepulchres. It preserveth the soul as a pomander, and refresheth it more than musk or civet doth the brain. The counsel of such especially (ministers, I mean) of whom the Scripture saith, that they "are unto God a sweet savour of Christ unto them that are saved"; these are they that can sell us oil for our lamps, that we may buy for ourselves. Such a counsellor may be an angel, nay, a god to another, as Moses was to Aaron: the comfort given by such (as the blessing of parents) is usually most effectual, because they are in God’ s room. See Job 33:23, "If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand," Unus e millibus not Unus e similibus as the Vulgate reads it falsely, and from the purpose.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
(9) Ointment and perfume.—Comp. Proverbs 7:17 and note on Proverbs 21:17.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
Verse 9. Ointment and perfume] Anointing the head and various parts of the body with aromatic oil is frequent in the East, and fumigating the beards of the guests at the conclusion of an entertainment is almost universal; as is also sprinkling rose-water, and water highly ordoriferous. Two of the curious vessels which are used for this purpose are now before me; they hold some quarts each, and are beautifully inlaid with silver in the form of sprigs, leaves, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 27:9
9. by] Lit. from i.e. proceeding from, or (as R.V.), that cometh of.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 27:9
9. Ointment and perfume — Odoriferous ointment, incense, or distilled perfume. Rejoice the heart — Refresh, comfort, exhilarate the spirits.
Sermons on Proverbs 27:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Letters by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes the intimate and heartfelt nature of letters, particularly those exchanged between beloved friends in the Lord, as they reveal the writer's deepest experien |
|
Message 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove |
|
10 Vital Evidences of Salvation by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of |
|
|
Ten Vital Evidences of True Salvation by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher shares two powerful stories that demonstrate the saving power of the Gospel. The first story recounts a time when the preacher was interrupted during h |
|
|
Divine Enlargement and Spiritual Obedience by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches on the connection between God's precepts and promises, emphasizing the need for divine assistance to fulfill God's commands. He explains the significance of |
|
The Prayer Book Services [1662] by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the importance of a meticulous and heartfelt rendering of the Prayer Book Services by clergy, focusing on the requisites of good reading: Distinctne |
|
Ashamed of Jesus? by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort challenges Christians to examine if they are truly unashamed of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of not just proclaiming Christ but also His words, which may bring suf |