Proverbs 27:9
New International Version
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

New Living Translation
The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

English Standard Version
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

Berean Standard Bible
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

King James Bible
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

New King James Version
Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

New American Standard Bible
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend.

NASB 1995
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.

NASB 1977
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.

Legacy Standard Bible
Oil and incense make the heart glad, So counsel from the soul is sweet to his friend.

Amplified Bible
Oil and perfume make the heart glad; So does the sweetness of a friend’s counsel that comes from the heart.

Christian Standard Bible
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is better than self-counsel.

American Standard Version
Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man's friend that cometh of hearty counsel.

Contemporary English Version
The sweet smell of incense can make you feel good, but true friendship is better still.

English Revised Version
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend that cometh of hearty counsel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the sweetness of a friend is a fragrant forest.

Good News Translation
Perfume and fragrant oils make you feel happier, but trouble shatters your peace of mind.

International Standard Version
Ointments and perfume encourage the heart; in a similar way, a friend's advice is sweet to the soul.

Majority Standard Bible
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

NET Bible
Ointment and incense make the heart rejoice, likewise the sweetness of one's friend from sincere counsel.

New Heart English Bible
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.

Webster's Bible Translation
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

World English Bible
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man’s friend.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Perfume and incense make the heart glad, "" And the sweetness of one’s friend—from counsel of the soul.

Young's Literal Translation
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, And the sweetness of one's friend -- from counsel of the soul.

Smith's Literal Translation
Oil and incense will rejoice the heart: and the sweetness from his friend from the counsel of the soul.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Ointment and perfumes rejoice the heart: and the good counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Ointment and various perfumes delight the heart. And the good advice of a friend is sweet to the soul.

New American Bible
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, but by grief the soul is torn asunder.

New Revised Standard Version
Perfume and incense make the heart glad, but the soul is torn by trouble.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
As oil and perfume rejoice the heart, so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
As oil and fragrances give joy to the heart, so is he that is sweet to his neighbor in the counsel of his soul.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
The heart delights in ointments and wines and perfumes: but the soul is broken by calamities.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Do not Boast about Tomorrow
8Like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who wanders from his home. 9Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the sweetness of a friend is counsel to the soul. 10Do not forsake your friend or your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity; better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.…

Cross References
Psalm 133:1
A song of ascents. Of David. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. / For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!

1 Samuel 18:1-3
After David had finished speaking with Saul, the souls of Jonathan and David were knit together, and Jonathan loved him as himself. / And from that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. / Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

2 Samuel 1:26
I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.

Job 29:4-5
when I was in my prime, when the friendship of God rested on my tent, / when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me,

Song of Solomon 1:3
The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you.

Song of Solomon 4:10
How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices.

Genesis 43:11
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.

Exodus 30:23-25
“Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half that amount (250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, / 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. / Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ...

John 15:13-15
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. / You are My friends if you do what I command you. / No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.

Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.

Philippians 2:1-2
Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, / then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.

Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity.

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.


Treasury of Scripture

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

ointment

Proverbs 7:17
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Judges 9:9
But the olive tree said unto them, Should I leave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?

Psalm 45:7,8
Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows…

Exodus 18:17-24
And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good…

1 Samuel 23:16,17
And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God…

Exodus 18:17-24
And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good…

Jump to Previous
Counsel Earnest Friend Fruit Glad Heart Hearty Incense Joy Oil Ointment One's Perfume Pleasantness Rejoice Soul Springs Suggestion Sweet Sweetness Torn Trouble Wise
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Counsel Earnest Friend Fruit Glad Heart Hearty Incense Joy Oil Ointment One's Perfume Pleasantness Rejoice Soul Springs Suggestion Sweet Sweetness Torn Trouble Wise
Proverbs 27
1. observations of self love
5. of true love
11. of care to avoid offenses
23. and of the household care














Oil and incense
In ancient times, oil and incense were highly valued for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. The Hebrew word for "oil" is "שֶׁמֶן" (shemen), which was used for anointing and as a symbol of joy and prosperity. Incense, or "קְטֹרֶת" (qetoreth), was used in religious rituals, symbolizing prayers rising to God. Together, they represent the physical and spiritual elements that uplift the human spirit. The use of these elements in worship and daily life underscores their importance in creating an atmosphere of joy and reverence, reflecting the divine presence.

bring joy to the heart
The heart, or "לֵב" (lev) in Hebrew, is often seen as the center of emotions and will. The joy brought by oil and incense is not merely superficial but penetrates deeply, affecting one's inner being. This joy is akin to the spiritual joy found in a relationship with God, where the heart is renewed and refreshed. Historically, the use of oil and incense in celebrations and worship highlights their role in enhancing communal and personal joy, pointing to the deeper joy found in divine fellowship.

and the sweetness of a friend
The Hebrew word for "sweetness" is "מָתוֹק" (matok), which conveys pleasantness and delight. A true friend's presence and words are as sweet and refreshing as honey, providing comfort and encouragement. In the biblical context, friendship is a covenant relationship, characterized by loyalty and love. The sweetness of a friend is a reflection of God's love, as friendships are gifts from God meant to mirror His faithfulness and kindness.

is counsel to the soul
The word "counsel" comes from the Hebrew "עֵצָה" (etsah), meaning advice or guidance. A friend's counsel is not just practical advice but is deeply rooted in wisdom and understanding. The soul, or "נֶפֶשׁ" (nephesh), represents the entire being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. A friend's wise counsel nourishes the soul, providing direction and clarity. This mirrors the biblical principle of seeking godly wisdom, as seen in Proverbs, where wisdom is portrayed as essential for a righteous life. The counsel of a friend, therefore, is a divine provision, guiding one towards spiritual growth and maturity.

(9) Ointment and perfume.--Comp. Proverbs 7:17 and note on Proverbs 21:17.

Verse 9. - Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart. (For the use of unguents in the honourable treatment of guests, see Proverbs 7:16, etc.; Proverbs 21:17.) Similarly, perfumes prepared from spices, roses, and aromatic plants were employed; rooms were fumigated, persons were sprinkled with rose water, and incense was applied to the face and beard, as we read (Daniel 2:46) that Nebuchadnezzar ordered that to Daniel, in recognition of his wisdom, should be offered an oblation and sweet odours (see 'Dick of Bible,' and Kitto, 'Cyclop.,' voc. "Perfumes"). The heat of the climate, the insalubrious character of the houses, the profuse perspiration of the assembled guests, rendered this attention peculiarly acceptable (comp. Song of Solomon 3:6). The LXX., probably with a tacit reference to Psalm 104:15, renders, "The heart delighteth in ointments, and wines, and perfumes." So doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. This is rather clumsy; the Revised Version improves it by paraphrasing, that cometh from hearty counsel. The meaning is that as ointment, etc., gladden the heart, so do the sweet and loving words of one who speaks from the depths of his soul. The idea is primarily of a friend who gives wise counsel, speaking the truth in love, or shows his approval by discreet commendation. The LXX. has pointed differently, and translates, "But the soul is broken by calamities (καταῥῤήγνυται ὑπὸ (συμπτωμάτων);" Vulgate, "The soul is sweetened by the good counsels of a friend."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Oil
שֶׁ֣מֶן (še·men)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness

and incense
וּ֭קְטֹרֶת (ū·qə·ṭō·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7004: Smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense

bring joy
יְשַׂמַּֽח־ (yə·śam·maḥ-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8055: To brighten up, be, blithe, gleesome

to the heart,
לֵ֑ב (lêḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

and the sweetness
וּמֶ֥תֶק (ū·me·ṯeq)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4986: Pleasantness

of a friend
רֵ֝עֵ֗הוּ (rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

[is] counsel
מֵֽעֲצַת־ (mê·‘ă·ṣaṯ-)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence

to the soul.
נָֽפֶשׁ׃ (nā·p̄eš)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion


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