Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
What does Proverbs 16:24 mean?
The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Proverbs 16:24-26 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Proverbs 16:24
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.
Key words
- health to the bones
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health to the bones. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb,....
- health to the bones
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health to the bones.
Context in Proverbs 16
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Proverbs 16 belongs to the middle movement of the book, especially the section often described as sayings of the wise. Proverbs offers compact instruction on speech, work, wealth, friendship, sex, discipline, justice, and wisdom as a way of life before God. Read this chapter with the wider themes of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
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