Proverbs 27:9 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. 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, etc.