The beginning of this chapter focuses on the importance of the things we say. Solomon tells his son to listen to his words (:1) and that will help him to both think and say right things, himself (:2). One of the reasons why is in verse 3 – because an immoral woman can seduce a man by her words (a common theme in Proverbs: see also 2:16; 6:24; 7:5).
While Solomon later notes that “her beauty” and “her eyes” are big come-ons to guys (6:25), here he points out the influence of her words. He likens them to the sweetness of “honey” and the smoothness of “oil.”
Honey was the cane sugar (or chocolate!) of the ancient world and everyone would have had access to appreciate its sweetness. Olive oil was one of their staple commodities and, no doubt, was the smooth oil to which he referred. In fact, “sweet as honey” and “smooth as oil” may have even been a familiar phrase of the day.
Either way, words are powerful and can hook us up for good or bad. It is our daily responsibility to decide about saying or listening to appropriate words. And we just need to be smart enough to know that sweet and smooth words may sound good, but they can lead to disaster!