Topical Bible: Oil: Smooth

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In biblical times, oil held significant cultural, religious, and practical importance. The term "smooth oil" is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe deceitful or flattering speech. This imagery draws on the physical properties of oil, which is smooth and slippery, to convey the idea of words that may seem pleasant but are ultimately insincere or treacherous.

Biblical References:

One of the most notable references to smooth oil is found in the Psalms. In Psalm 55:21 , the psalmist laments the betrayal of a close companion, saying, "His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are softer than oil, yet they are drawn swords." Here, the smoothness of oil is used to illustrate the duplicity of the betrayer's words, which appear gentle and harmless but conceal harmful intentions.

Similarly, in Proverbs, the imagery of smooth oil is employed to warn against the seductive and deceitful nature of certain temptations. Proverbs 5:3 states, "Though the lips of the forbidden woman drip honey and her speech is smoother than oil," highlighting the allure and danger of succumbing to immoral enticements. The smoothness of oil in this context underscores the deceptive charm that can lead one astray.

Cultural and Religious Significance:

In ancient Israel, oil was a valuable commodity used for anointing, cooking, lighting, and medicinal purposes. Olive oil, in particular, was a staple in daily life and held religious significance. It was used in anointing rituals to consecrate priests, kings, and sacred objects, symbolizing the presence and blessing of God. The smoothness of oil made it an ideal medium for anointing, as it could be easily applied and absorbed.

The metaphorical use of smooth oil in Scripture reflects a deep understanding of its properties and significance. Just as oil can be used to heal and consecrate, it can also be misused to deceive and manipulate. This duality serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of discernment and integrity in speech and actions.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the use of smooth oil as a metaphor for deceitful speech underscores the biblical emphasis on truth and sincerity. The Scriptures consistently warn against the dangers of flattery and falsehood, urging believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to guard their hearts against deceit (Jeremiah 17:9).

The imagery of smooth oil also highlights the contrast between human deceit and divine truth. While human words may be smooth and misleading, God's Word is described as pure and trustworthy (Psalm 12:6). Believers are called to rely on the truth of Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to navigate the complexities of life and relationships.

In summary, the concept of smooth oil in the Bible serves as a vivid metaphor for the potential deceptiveness of words and the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in the life of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 5:3
For the lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Strong's Hebrew

4229. machah -- to wipe, wipe out
... A primitive root; properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to
smooth (as if with oil), ie Grease or make fat; also to touch, ie Reach to ...
/hebrew/4229.htm - 5k

Library

Petilianus Said: "David Also Said, the Oil of the Sinner Shall not ...
... me in kindness, and shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the ... a rebuke administered
in kindness, than be deceived and led astray by smooth flattery, coming ...
/.../chapter 104 236 petilianus.htm

Letter xxxiii. (AD 396. )
... ourselves, but by the truth itself, that is to say, by Christ who is righteous,
lest the unction of smooth but pernicious flattery, which is the oil of the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxiii a d 396.htm

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... Ointment being smooth oil, do you not think that it is calculated to render
noble manners effeminate? Certainly. And as we have ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii on the use of.htm

Against Men who Embellish Themselves.
... to her suffering; for what is shaggy is drier and warmer than what is smooth. ... in
these wares sail, bringing a cargo of fornication, like wine or oil; and others ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii against men who embellish.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... Their condition is smooth as oil, and as soft as young down, but their hearts are
as high as poplars, and their manners as stiff as hedge-stakes. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

Love's Complaining
... he is seen lighting the holy lamps, pouring in the sacred oil, and removing ... He will
neither speak smooth words nor bitter words; but he will speak the truth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/loves complaining.htm

The Knowledge Both of Language and Things is Helpful for the ...
... ark, [1797] is that we know both that the smooth touch of olive oil is not easily
spoiled by a fluid of another kind, and that the tree itself is an evergreen. ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books /chapter 16 the knowledge both of.htm

Ignorance of Things, Too, Renders Figurative Expressions Obscure.. ...
... is indicated by the olive branch which the dove brought with it when it returned
to the ark, is that we know both that the smooth touch of olive oil is not ...
/.../on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 24 ignorance of things.htm

The Call of David.
... The Prophet's oil would have profited him nothing, or rather would have increased
his ... David chose five smooth stones out of the brook, and with them he smote ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon iv the call of.htm

A Friend for the Sorrowful
... I came in, hath not ceased to kiss My feet: My head with oil thou didst ... sea, 'Peace,
be still.' And suddenly the wind stopped, and the sea was quite smooth. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the good shepherd/chapter vii a friend for.htm