22:18 For it is pleasing if 1 you keep these sayings 2 within you,
and 3 they are ready on your lips. 4
19:10 They are of greater value 5 than gold,
than even a great amount of pure gold;
they bring greater delight 6 than honey,
than even the sweetest honey from a honeycomb.
19:11 Yes, your servant finds moral guidance there; 7
those who obey them receive a rich reward. 8
119:103 Your words are sweeter
in my mouth than honey! 9
119:111 I claim your rules as my permanent possession,
for they give me joy. 10
15:16 As your words came to me I drank them in, 11
and they filled my heart with joy and happiness
because I belong to you. 12
1 tn Or “when” (so NIV).
2 tn Heb “keep them,” referring to the words of the wise expressed in these sayings. The referent has been specified in the translation for clarity.
3 tn The term “and” does not appear in the Hebrew but is supplied in the translation.
4 sn If the teachings are preserved in the heart/mind of the disciple, then that individual will always be ready to speak what was retained.
5 tn Heb “more desirable.”
6 tn Heb “are sweeter.” God’s law is “sweet’ in the sense that, when obeyed, it brings a great reward (see v. 11b).
7 tn Heb “moreover your servant is warned by them.”
8 tn Heb “in the keeping of them [there is] a great reward.”
9 tn Heb “How smooth they are to my palate, your word, more than honey to my mouth.” A few medieval Hebrew
10 tn Heb “for the joy of my heart [are] they.”
11 sn Heb “Your words were found and I ate them.” This along with Ezek 2:8–3:3 is a poetic picture of inspiration. The prophet accepted them, assimilated them, and made them such a part of himself that he spoke with complete assurance what he knew were God’s words.
12 tn Heb “Your name is called upon me.”