Proverbs 27:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

NIV: Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

NASB: Oil and perfume make the heart glad, And a person’s advice is sweet to his friend.

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

NLT: The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

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

NKJV: Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

In Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 Solomon writes, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" In earlier lessons, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) noted that genuine love is often expressed as correction (Proverbs 27:5–6). Other proverbs point out the immense value of good advice (Proverbs 12:15; 19:20), especially when it is well-timed and well-suited to the situation (Proverbs 15:23). Biblical wisdom also notes the importance of seeking advice beyond one's own opinion (Proverbs 18:13, 17). The Hebrew of this verse is poetic, so it lends itself to a few different interpretations. However, these all share the same theme: the uplifting value of a friend's good advice.

The Hebrew phrases used here could be taken to compare a friend's advice to one's own opinion. Or this might suggest simply that loving guidance is pleasant and valuable. Some interpretations imply that what makes a friendship pleasant is the "heartfelt advice" (NIV) it brings. Others suggest that true friendship is expressed in such sincere correction. The differences between these options are subtle, and not critically different in this context. A "proverb" is a concise statement of wisdom, not an absolute rule or inviolable command.

In the ancient world, oil was used for soothing wounds and for giving a massage. The Good Samaritan used oil and wine to treat an abused traveler's wounds (Luke 10:34). James mentions anointing the sick with oil (James 5:14). A woman of ill repute anointed Jesus' feet with expensive ointment and received His commendation (Luke 7:37–48). The same concept of healing and honor applies to the loving direction given by a true friend.

Wise sayings from this chapter warn about overconfidence and bragging. Solomon also encourages positive friendships and the wisdom they provide. He offers several notes about self-examination and the need for personal accountability. Many of the proverbs in this passage touch on the concept of speaking truth in love, even if it's not what the other person would like to hear. The end of the chapter uses the example of livestock to make a point about good stewardship.

This continues a collection of approximately one hundred proverbs associated with Solomon. King Hezekiah's men, probably his scribes, copied these from other scrolls (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter includes references to overconfidence, the value of friendships, and the importance of good stewardship. The assembly of Solomon's wise teachings continues through the end of chapter 29.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.