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Here we look at two verses in the book of Proverbs that contrast truth with falsehood. What are the pleasant words that are sweet as a honeycomb? They are the true gospel; found in the Bible alone and in its entirety; this is why they are sweet to the soul. In Psalm 19, the Psalmist declares beauty of the wonderful works of God and His Word and in similar language to this proverb, he declares:
"The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:9-14).
While the true gospel is sweet as honeycomb to the soul, the next verse draws a contrast by stating that there is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is death. "Death" refers to spiritual death. Those who do not have the true gospel of salvation through the faith of Christ are holding on to a false gospel; these people believe that they have been taught correctly in the Word of God and it seems right to them, but it is not the true gospel; and a false gospel cannaot bring salvation, only spiritual death. This is unfortunate and very common today; but as Christians we can take comfort in knowing that God is doing all things according to His perfectly good will:
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." (Proverbs 12:15).
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