16:24
The first line of this proverb is a metaphor. The second line explains the similarity between pleasant words and a honeycomb.
24a Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
24b sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
16:24a
Pleasant words are a honeycomb: This metaphor compares kind, gracious, or helpful words to a honeycomb. For the phrase Pleasant words, see the note on 15:26b.
honeycomb: The Hebrew expression that is used here is not the usual word for honeycomb. It refers to a honeycomb that is full or overflowing with honey. This idea is expressed by the Revised English Bible, although it does not make explicit the word honeycomb. It has:
Kind words are like dripping honey
In some languages, it may be awkward to express the full meaning of the Hebrew expression. Another way to translate it is to use a more general term. For example:
Gracious words are like a honeycomb (English Standard Version)
-or-
Pleasant words are like honey from a honeycomb (God’s Word)
-or-
Kind words are like honey (Good News Translation)
The point of the metaphor is the helpful qualities of the honey, not the amount of honey in the comb.
16:24b
sweet to the soul: Honey has a sweet taste. Similarly, pleasant words are sweet to the soul. This phrase indicates that they encourage people and make them happy.
and healing to the bones: Honey also restores physical strength and health. Similarly, pleasant words have a healing and strengthening effect on a person’s whole being. See 15:30b, which expresses a similar idea.
Some other ways to express the meaning of this line are:
making people happy and healthy (New Century Version)
-or-
they cheer you up and make you feel strong (Contemporary English Version)
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