Proverbs 27:9

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 27:9-10

Here is, 1. A charge given to be faithful and constant to our friends, our old friends, to keep up an intimacy with them, and to be ready to do them all the offices that lie in our power. It is good to have a friend, a bosom-friend, whom we can be free with, and with whom we may communicate counsels. It is not necessary that this friend should be a relation, or any way akin to us, though it is happiest when, among those who are so, we find one fit to make a friend of. Peter and Andrew were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:9

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart ,.... Meaning not the holy anointing oil for sacred use, or the perfume or incense offered on the altar of incense; but common oil or ointment used at entertainments, poured on the heads of the guests; and incense in censing of rooms, which were very delightful, pleased the senses, and so exhilarated the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel ; so the sweet and pleasant words, the wise and cordial counsel of a man's... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 27:9

Ointment and perfume - Anointing the head and various parts of the body with aromatic oil is frequent in the East, and fumigating the beards of the guests at the conclusion of an entertainment is almost universal; as is also sprinkling rose-water, and water highly ordoriferous. Two of the curious vessels which are used for this purpose are now before me; they hold some quarts each, and are beautifully inlaid with silver in the form of sprigs, leaves, etc. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:2-21

The praise of man How far we should go in praising others, and in what spirit we should accept their praise, is a matter of no small importance in the conduct of life. I. THE DUTY OF PRAISING OTHERS . "Let another man praise thee" can hardly be said to be imperative so far as he is concerned. But it suggests the propriety of another man speaking in words of commendation. And the duty of praising those who have done well is a much-forgotten and neglected virtue. I. It is the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:5-19

Four services of friendship (And see homily on "Friendship," Proverbs 13:20 .) We have suggested in the nineteenth verse two conditions of friendship: There can be no true friendship where one heart does not answer to another as the face reflected from a mirror answers to that which is before it. Men must be like minded in their principles and sympathies; and they must be sensitive enough to feel with one another and to give back the thoughts which are expressed by one or the other,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:9

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... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 27:9-10

The praises of friendship I. ITS SWEETNESS . ( Proverbs 27:9 .) It is compared to fragrant unguent and incense ( Psalms 104:15 ; Psalms 133:2 ). It is more delightful to listen to the counsel of a dear friend than sternly to rely on self. It is in human nature to love to see itself reflected in other objects; and the thoughts we approve, the opinions we form, we recognize gladly on another's lips. Talking with a friend is better than thinking aloud. II. TIME - HONOURED ... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 27:9

Proverbs 27:9. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, &c. “As balsam and fragrant perfumes marvellously refresh and comfort the natural spirits, when they droop and are tired; so doth the very presence of a true-hearted friend, and much more his faithful counsel, rejoice a man’s soul; especially when he is at such a loss, that he knows not how to advise himself.” Bishop Patrick. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:1-27

The valuable things of life (27:1-27)Over-confidence, self-praise, stupidity and jealousy must all be avoided (27:1-4). True friends will show the inner love they have for each other by being open and honest with each other. Over-pleasantness may be a sign of a deceitful heart (5-6). Those with many possessions do not find contentment; the poor are more than satisfied if they can get what the rich throw away (7). Among the most priceless of possessions are a happy home and faithful friends... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 27:9

hearty counsel = counsel of the soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 . read more

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