Proverbs 16:24 - Exposition

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb . "Pleasant words" are words of comforting, soothing tendency, as in Proverbs 15:26 ; Psalms 19:10 . The writer continues his praise of apt speech. The comparison with honey is common in all languages and at all times. Thus Homer sings of Nestor ('Iliad,' 1.248, etc.)—

"The smooth-tongued chief, from whose persuasive lips

Sweeter than honey flowed the stream of speech."

(Derby.)

So the story goes that on the lips of St. Ambrose, while still a boy, a swarm of bees settled, portending his future persuasive eloquence. Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones ( Proverbs 15:30 ). The verse forms one sentence. The happy results of pleasant words are felt in body and soul. Honey in Palestine is a staple article of food, and is also used as a medicinal remedy. Of its reviving effects we read in the ease of Jonathan, who from a little portion hurriedly taken as he marched on had "his eyes enlightened" ( 1 Samuel 14:27 ). Septuagint, "Their sweetness is the healing of the soul."

ἰατρὸς ὁ λόγος τοῦ κατά ψυχὴν πάθους .

"Speech the physician of the soul's annoy."