Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse connects the sensory joy of pleasant scents with the deep satisfaction of a friend's honest advice. It's not just any counsel that brings this "sweetness," but advice that flows from a friend's sincere inner self, offering genuine care for your well-being.
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, often contrasting wise choices with foolish ones. It follows a series of verses that speak about the importance of genuine relationships and the dangers of superficiality. Immediately after, the collection continues with further observations on friendship, diligence, and the value of character over outward appearances.
Imagine a luxurious spa day – fragrant oils, soothing scents. The Bible compares this sensory pleasure to something even more profound. What is it?
The verse opens with a vivid sensory image: 'Oil and perfume make the heart glad.' In ancient Near Eastern cultures, fragrant oils and perfumes weren't just for special occasions. They were used regularly to refresh the body, especially in hot climates, and were a sign of hospitality and honor at gatherings. These aromas would lift the spirits and bring physical comfort.
But notice the word 'heart.' It's not just about fleeting physical pleasure. The 'heart' in Scripture often represents the inner self – the seat of emotions, will, and intellect. So, these pleasant scents brought a deeper, internal gladness. The verse then makes a powerful connection: 'so doth the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.' This suggests that the joy derived from a friend's genuine advice is comparable to, or even surpasses, the pleasure of fine perfumes.
We all appreciate a friend's smile, but what truly makes their presence 'sweet'? It’s not just pleasantries, but something much more substantial.
The core of this verse reveals the true 'sweetness' of friendship: 'earnest counsel.' The Hebrew word translated here as 'earnest' speaks of something coming from the depths of one's being, a counsel of the soul. This isn't superficial advice given lightly.
Think about it: someone might offer you flattery or agree with everything you say. That might feel good for a moment, but it doesn't truly help you grow or navigate life's challenges. A true friend, however, offers counsel that is:
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This kind of counsel, though sometimes challenging, is what ultimately builds strong relationships and leads to true flourishing.
Understand the original words
lev · Hebrew Noun
The innermost part of the human being; the seat of intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. It is considered the center of a person's life where decisions are made and God is either honored or rejected.
etzah · Hebrew Noun
Advice, wisdom, or guidance offered to another. In Proverbs, it often refers to godly instruction that leads to life, righteousness, and avoidance of folly.
This passage speaks of a righteous person striking the believer like fragrant oil, emphasizing the positive and comforting impact of godly counsel, much like the verse in Proverbs.
1 Samuel 18:1This verse highlights the deep bond between David and Jonathan, stating that Jonathan's soul was bound to David's, illustrating the profound spiritual connection that makes a friend's counsel so 'sweet' and valuable.
Galatians 6:1Paul encourages believers to restore gently those caught in sin, showing that true friendship often involves difficult but loving counsel that aims for spiritual restoration, a core concept in Proverbs 27:9.
Philippians 2:4This verse encourages looking out for the interests of others, reflecting the selfless and 'hearty' nature of the counsel described in Proverbs, where a friend's advice comes from genuine care for well-being.
pooleProverbs 27:9: "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."
Rejoice the heart, by increasing and comforting the spirits. No less grateful and pleasant is the company and conversation of a true friend, in respect of his good and faithful counsel, which comes from his very heart and soul, and contains his most inward and serious thoughts, whereas deceitful persons give such counsels, not as they think to be best, but as most serve their lust…
gillProverbs 27:9: "Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."
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…
The verse connects the sensory joy of pleasant scents with the deep satisfaction of a friend's honest advice. It's not just any counsel that brings this "sweetness," but advice that flows from a friend's sincere inner self, offering genuine care for your well-being.
This verse is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, often contrasting wise choices with foolish ones. It follows a series of verses that speak about the importance of genuine relationships and the dangers of superficiality. Immediately after, the collection continues with further observations on friendship, diligence, and the value of character over outward appearances.
This verse is part of a larger collection of wisdom sayings in Proverbs, often contrasting wise choices with foolish ones. It follows a series of verses that speak about the importance of genuine relationships and the dangers of superficiality. Immediately after, the collection continues with further observations on friendship, diligence, and the value of character over outward appearances.
"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel." — The verse connects the sensory joy of pleasant scents with the deep satisfaction of a friend's honest advice. It's not just any counsel that brings this "sweetness," but advice that flows from a frie…
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Last reviewed October 2026