Proverbs 16:24 kjv

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 nkjv

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 niv

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 16:24 esv

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24 nlt

Kind words are like honey ?
sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 24 Meaning

Proverbs 16:24 illustrates the profound, life-giving power of kind and gracious speech. Such "pleasant words" are likened to the purest honey – inherently delightful, satisfying, and deeply beneficial. This beneficial effect extends to the deepest parts of a person's being, bringing not only comfort and joy to the soul or inner self, but also vitality and health to the physical body. The verse conveys that intentional, positive communication nourishes and restores, promoting overall well-being.

Proverbs 16 24 Context

Proverbs 16:24 fits within a broader chapter theme that explores wisdom's practical application in daily life, often contrasting it with folly. The chapter emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty over human plans (Prov 16:1, 9, 33) and stresses the importance of righteousness, humility, and careful speech. The verse follows Prov 16:23, which states, "The heart of the wise makes his speech prudent, and adds persuasiveness to his lips," thereby connecting the inner wisdom of the heart with the outward manifestation of gracious words. This verse directly counters the subsequent warnings against perverse speech and malicious gossip found in verses like Prov 16:27-28, which bring discord and pain. Culturally, honey was a prized and wholesome food, often associated with richness, pleasure, and well-being, making it a powerful metaphor for desirable words. The Hebrew understanding of "soul" (nephesh) often referred to the whole person, their desires, emotions, and life essence, while "bones" (etzem) represented the core strength and vitality of the body, signifying that true words of encouragement reach profound depths of human experience, impacting both psyche and soma.

Proverbs 16 24 Word analysis

• "Pleasant words": Hebrew: ’imrê nō‘am (אִמְרֵי נֹעַם).
  • ’imrê: "words of," "sayings of." It signifies articulated speech, deliberate communication.
  • nō‘am: "pleasantness," "delightfulness," "graciousness," "charm," or even "favor." It denotes an attractive quality, indicating words that are not harsh, grating, or irritating, but rather soft, agreeable, and kind in their tone and content. Such words reflect a gracious and considerate heart.
• "are as an honeycomb": Hebrew: nōp̄eṯ ṣûp̄ (נֹפֶת צוּף).
  • nōp̄eṯ: "drippings of honey," referring to the purest, often most accessible, honey that drips freely from the comb.
  • ṣûp̄: refers to the honeycomb itself or clear, pure honey.
  • Significance: This vivid simile portrays speech that is exquisitely sweet, natural, unadulterated, and profoundly satisfying. It's highly desired and considered a rich blessing, known for its nourishment and pleasant taste.
• "sweet to the soul": Hebrew: mātôq lənef̱eš (מָתוֹק לְנֶפשׁ).
  • mātôq: "sweet," "pleasant."
  • lənef̱eš: "to the soul," "to the self," "to the inner being," "to life." Nephesh encompasses the seat of emotions, will, desire, intellect, and the very life principle of a person.
  • Significance: These words penetrate beyond the surface, bringing deep contentment, comfort, solace, and spiritual refreshment to one's entire inner being. They satisfy an inner craving and calm agitation.
• "and health to the bones": Hebrew: ûmarpē’ lə‘eṣem (וּמַרְפֵּא לְעֶצֶם).
  • ûmarpē’: "and healing," "and cure," "and remedy." From rāpāʾ, meaning "to heal, to make whole, to mend."
  • lə‘eṣem: "to the bones," the very framework and core of the body, often signifying strength, vigor, or the entire physical constitution. Pain or weakness in bones was symbolic of deep physical or emotional distress (e.g., Job 30:17, Ps 31:10).
  • Significance: This signifies a restorative and strengthening effect that reaches the very physical essence. It implies profound well-being, relief from distress, and a bolstering of vitality, acknowledging the deep connection between mental/emotional state and physical health.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Pleasant words are as an honeycomb": This phrase establishes the superior quality and highly desirable nature of gracious speech. Like pure honey, these words are a delightful and rich treat, symbolizing natural goodness and immense value in human interaction.
• "sweet to the soul": This highlights the immediate, profound impact on a person's inner world. Pleasant words resonate deeply, providing emotional satisfaction, spiritual solace, and psychological well-being. They provide comfort and delight to the heart and mind.
• "and health to the bones": This extends the benefits beyond the purely emotional or spiritual to the physical realm. The healing implied here is deep and foundational, suggesting that kind words reduce stress, promote relaxation, and ultimately contribute to a person's physical strength and resilience from within.

Proverbs 16 24 Bonus section

• Divine Example: The Bible frequently portrays God's words and commands as "sweeter than honey" (Ps 19:10) and full of life (Jn 6:63). Human pleasant words, therefore, mirror a divine characteristic, demonstrating a reflection of God's gracious nature in interpersonal communication.
• Contrast with Harsh Speech: This verse implicitly contrasts with the destructive power of corrupt or malicious speech, which is frequently condemned in Proverbs (e.g., Prov 12:18, Prov 16:27-28). It offers the antidote to bitter and wounding words by presenting an alternative that is life-giving and health-imparting.
• Psychosomatic Impact: The idea of "health to the bones" aligns with the biblical understanding of a person as a holistic entity. Modern medical science affirms the psychosomatic connection, recognizing how positive emotional states, often influenced by external communication, can impact physical health and bolster the immune system.
• Foundation for Relationships: Pleasant words are essential building blocks for healthy relationships. They foster trust, build connection, offer encouragement, and create a supportive environment for families, friendships, and communities. Without them, relationships can wither or become contentious.
• The Source Matters: While not explicitly stated in this verse, Proverbs often connects speech with the heart's condition (Prov 4:23, Matt 12:34). For words to be truly "pleasant" and genuinely impactful, they must flow from a heart seasoned with wisdom, humility, and love.

Proverbs 16 24 Commentary

Proverbs 16:24 provides a beautiful, holistic picture of the power of well-chosen words rooted in wisdom and kindness. It argues that words are not merely sounds or symbols but possess a tangible force for good, directly impacting a person's well-being on multiple levels. Gracious communication, described as pure honey, serves as a balm to the agitated soul and a restorative medicine to the weary body. This verse is a powerful endorsement of intentional communication that prioritizes building up, comforting, and encouraging others. It reminds believers that their speech should be an instrument of grace, reflecting God's own benevolent character and contributing to healing and vitality rather than causing harm or decay. Practicing such pleasant words brings forth not only immediate gratification for the receiver but also fosters healthy relationships and communities where truth and kindness flourish.Examples:

• A thoughtful compliment that truly validates someone's worth.
• A calm, empathetic response to someone expressing frustration.
• Words of hope and comfort offered to a bereaved friend.