Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Original Language Analysis
דְּ֭בַשׁ
H1706
נֹ֑עַם
Pleasant
H5278
נֹ֑עַם
Pleasant
Strong's:
H5278
Word #:
4 of 8
agreeableness, i.e., delight, suitableness, splendor or grace
לַ֝נֶּ֗פֶשׁ
to the soul
H5315
לַ֝נֶּ֗פֶשׁ
to the soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Proverbs 4:22For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.Proverbs 3:8It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.Proverbs 23:16Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.Psalms 119:103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!Psalms 19:10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.Proverbs 27:9Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.Proverbs 15:26The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words.Jeremiah 15:16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.Deuteronomy 32:2My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Historical Context
Honey was ancient Israel's primary sweetener and medicine (Proverbs 24:13, 25:16). Pleasant words had similar dual benefit—delighting and healing. In harsh ancient life, kind words brought genuine comfort. David's psalms, Solomon's wisdom, prophets' comfort messages all exemplified this. Jesus spoke gracious words (Luke 4:22). Christian speech should be gracious, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)—sweet yet preserving truth.
Questions for Reflection
- Do your words function like honeycomb—sweet and healing—or like poison and pain to others?
- How can you intentionally speak pleasant, encouraging words that minister grace to hearers?
- What is the balance between pleasant words and hard truths, and how did Jesus model this?
Analysis & Commentary
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Tsuf-devash imrey-no'am (צוּף־דְּבַשׁ אִמְרֵי־נֹעַם, a honeycomb—pleasant words). Matoq lanefesh umarpe la'etsem (מָתוֹק לַנֶּפֶשׁ וּמַרְפֵּא לָעֶצֶם, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones). Pleasant words provide both emotional sweetness and physical health. The proverb celebrates gracious communication's power to bless others profoundly. Believers' speech should minister grace (Ephesians 4:29), providing sweet encouragement and healing comfort through Spirit-empowered words.