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Commentary on Proverbs 27 verses 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 brethren, so were James and John; yet Solomon frequently distinguishes between a friend and a brother. But it is advisable to choose a friend among our neighbours who live near us, that acquaintance may be kept up and kindnesses the more frequently interchanged. It is good also to have a special respect to those who have been friends to our family: "Thy own friend, especially if he have been thy father's friend, forsake not; fail not both to serve him and to use him, as there is occasion. He is a tried friend; he knows thy affairs; he has a particular concern for thee; therefore be advised by him." It is a duty we owe to our parents, when they are gone, to love their friends and consult with them. Solomon's son undid himself by forsaking the counsel of his father's friends. 2. A good reason given why we should thus value true friendship and be choice of it. (1.) Because of the pleasure of it. There is a great deal of sweetness in conversing and consulting with a cordial friend. It is like ointment and perfume, which are very grateful to the smell, and exhilarate the spirits. It rejoices the heart; the burden of care is made lighter by unbosoming ourselves to our friend, and it is a great satisfaction to us to have his sentiments concerning our affairs. The sweetness of friendship lies not in hearty mirth, and hearty laughter, but in hearty counsel, faithful advice, sincerely given and without flattery, by counsel of the soul (so the word is), counsel which reaches the case, and comes to the heart, counsel about soul-concerns, Psa 66:16. We should reckon that the most pleasant conversation which is about spiritual things, and promotes the prosperity of the soul. (2.) Because of the profit and advantage of it, especially in a day of calamity. We are here advised not to go into a brother's house, not to expect relief from a kinsman merely for kindred-sake, for the obligation of that commonly goes little further than calling cousin and fails when it comes to the trial of a real kindness, but rather to apply ourselves to our neighbours, who are at hand, and will be ready to help us at an exigence. It is wisdom to oblige them by being neighbourly, and we shall have the benefit of it in distress, by finding them so to us, Psa 18:24.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:9 eloquently articulates the profound delight and invaluable benefit derived from sincere, heartfelt counsel offered by a genuine friend, likening its refreshing impact to the pleasing sensory experience of fragrant oils and perfumes. This proverb elevates the essence of authentic friendship, highlighting its unique capacity to impart deep joy and spiritual nourishment through wise and well-intentioned advice, thereby underscoring the indispensable nature of relationships founded on truth and compassionate care.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound wisdom. The most prominent is Simile, explicitly drawing a comparison between two seemingly disparate elements: the sensory delight of "ointment and perfume" and the relational joy found in "the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel." The conjunction "so doth" clearly establishes this parallel. This Analogy allows the abstract concept of beneficial counsel to be understood through a concrete, pleasant sensory experience, making the proverb's message both vivid and memorable. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes Metonymy or Synecdoche when referring to "the heart" as the recipient of joy, as "heart" (lêb) represents the entire inner person—emotions, intellect, and will—rather than just the physical organ. The phrase "hearty counsel" also employs Figurative Language, attributing a quality of the "heart" (or soul, nephesh) to the counsel itself, emphasizing its deep sincerity and genuine origin. This rich tapestry of literary techniques enhances the proverb's impact, making its timeless truth resonate deeply with the reader.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 27:9 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of human relationships, particularly friendship, as a conduit for divine blessing and wisdom. It underscores that God, in His benevolent design, has ordained that human connection, when characterized by genuine care and truth-telling, can be a source of profound spiritual and emotional refreshment. The "sweetness" of hearty counsel implicitly points to the life-giving nature of truth spoken in love, mirroring God's own character as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. This proverb encourages believers to cultivate friendships marked by integrity and mutual edification, recognizing that such bonds are not merely social conveniences but vital means through which God's grace and wisdom are often mediated, bringing joy and stability to the heart.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:9 provides timeless wisdom for cultivating healthy, life-giving relationships in our contemporary world. In an era often marked by superficial connections and the pursuit of self-interest, this proverb calls us to a higher standard of friendship—one rooted in genuine care and the courage to speak truth. It challenges us to be both the kind of friend who offers "hearty counsel"—advice that is sincere, well-intentioned, and aimed at the other's well-being, even when it's difficult—and the kind of person who humbly receives such counsel. Embracing this wisdom means actively investing in relationships where mutual edification is prioritized, where honesty is valued over flattery, and where the spiritual and emotional health of our friends is a true concern. Such friendships are not only a source of personal joy but also a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ-like love in community.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "hearty counsel" specifically mean in this proverb?
Answer: "Hearty counsel" refers to advice that is deeply sincere, well-intentioned, and comes from the core of a person's being, aimed at the genuine well-being of the recipient. The Hebrew word translated "hearty" is nephesh (H5315), which signifies the soul, inner person, or vitality. Thus, it's counsel that is not superficial, self-serving, or manipulative, but rather flows from a place of true care and wisdom, seeking to build up and benefit the friend. It implies a willingness to speak difficult truths when necessary, always motivated by love, much like the "wounds of a friend" are faithful (Proverbs 27:6).
Why does the proverb compare counsel to "ointment and perfume"?
Answer: The comparison to "ointment and perfume" is a simile that highlights the delightful, refreshing, and beneficial nature of sincere counsel. In ancient cultures, fragrant oils and perfumes were highly prized for their pleasant aroma, their use in celebrations, and their association with honor, joy, and well-being. Just as these physical fragrances bring sensory pleasure and uplift the spirit, so too does the genuine, wise advice of a true friend bring deep emotional and spiritual refreshment to the "heart" (the inner person). It emphasizes that good counsel is not a burden but a source of profound joy and benefit, enriching one's life in a way that is as pleasant and invigorating as a sweet aroma.
How does this proverb relate to other wisdom literature regarding friendship?
Answer: This proverb aligns perfectly with the broader emphasis on the value of true friendship found throughout wisdom literature, particularly in the Book of Proverbs itself. It complements verses that speak to the steadfastness of a friend (Proverbs 17:17), the sharpness that friends bring to one another (Proverbs 27:17), and the critical role of multiple counselors in achieving success (Proverbs 11:14). Proverbs 27:9 specifically adds the dimension of counsel as a source of joy and refreshment, elevating it beyond mere advice to an act of profound relational blessing. It underscores that authentic friendship involves not just presence but active, caring engagement through wise and sincere communication.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the quintessential Friend and the source of all "hearty counsel." While human friendships offer glimpses of this truth, they are imperfect reflections. Jesus, however, perfectly embodies the friend who "loves at all times" (Proverbs 17:17) and whose counsel is always "sweetness" to the soul. His teachings, found throughout the Gospels, are the purest form of "hearty counsel," emanating from His divine wisdom and perfect love for humanity. He consistently spoke truth, even when it was challenging, always for the ultimate well-being and salvation of His disciples and all who would believe. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised as the "Helper" or "Counselor" (John 14:26), continues this ministry of "hearty counsel," guiding believers into all truth and comforting their hearts. The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to embody this proverb, with believers offering one another "hearty counsel" rooted in God's Word, becoming a "fragrance of Christ" to one another and to the world (2 Corinthians 2:15). Ultimately, the joy and refreshment that come from a friend's sincere counsel pale in comparison to the profound, eternal joy and peace found in the perfect counsel and friendship of our Lord Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for His friends (John 15:13).