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Proverbs 16:24

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 16:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Proverbs 16:24 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
21The wise in heart shall be called prudent; And the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
22Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it; But the correction of fools is [their] folly.
23The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips.
24Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
26The appetite of the laboring man laboreth for him; For his mouth urgeth him [thereto].
27A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire.
← Proverbs 16:23Proverbs 16:25 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Compare Pro 15:26). Gentle, kind words, by soothing the mind, give the body health.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Honey took its place not only among the luxuries, but among the medicines of the Israelites. This two-fold use made it all the more suitable to be an emblem both of the true Wisdom which is also true obedience, and of the “pleasant words” in which that Wisdom speaks. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Pleasant: Pro 12:18, Pro 15:23, Pro 15:26, Pro 23:16, Pro 25:11, Pro 25:12, Pro 27:9; Deu 32:2; Sol 4:11; Joh 20:19-21 an: Pro 24:13, Pro 24:14; Psa 19:10, Psa 119:103; Jer 15:16 health: Pro 3:8, Pro 4:22 Proverbs 16:25”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical 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). Proverbs 16:25”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 16 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification