SEV Biblia, Chapter 27:9
¶ El ungí¼ento y el incienso alegran el corazón; así la dulzura del amigo con el consejo del alma.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 27:9
Verse 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, &c.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 9. Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart , etc.] 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 friend, rejoice his heart; he takes it well, he is highly delighted with it; he receives it kindly, and pursues it to advantage: or “by counsel of soul” f750 , such as relates to the welfare of the soul here and hereafter; such is the counsel Christ gives, to buy of him gold tried in the fire, white raiment eye salve; and such as the Scriptures give, which, with the saints, are the men of their counsel, as they were David’s; and which ministers of the Gospel give, who are therefore like ointment and perfume, “a sweet savour of life unto life”: some render the words, and they will bear it, “so the sweetness of a man’s friend, more than the counsel of his soul” or than his own; that is, the sweet counsel of a friend is better than his own, and more rejoices his heart, and gives him more pleasure than that does; and this way go the Jewish commentators.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9, 10 - Depend not for relief upon a kinsman, merely for kindred's sake; appl to those who are at hand, and will help in need. But there is a Frien that sticketh closer than a brother, and let us place entire confidenc in him.
Original Hebrew
שׁמן 8081 וקטרת 7004 ישׂמח 8055 לב 3820 ומתק 4986 רעהו 7453 מעצת 6098 נפשׁ׃ 5315
