Yet Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
Proverbs 16:24 says, “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”
We all know there are many ways our words can get us into trouble. That’s why scriptures encourage us to guard against lying, swearing, gossiping, complaining, grumbling, and so on. However, the focus of Proverbs 16:24 is using words for good. Loving words! Gracious words! Caring words! Pleasant words! These kinds of words are sweet to our souls and possess a healing power, making us happier and healthier. They are good spiritually and physically.
Using an analogy about honey with words is pure genius. (Yes, the Bible is the inspired Word of God!) Honey not only tastes sweet, but it has health benefits as well. From ancient times, honey was used as a food and as medicine. In fact, ancient Egyptians made offerings of honey to their gods. Here may be a few reasons why…
Honey is an all-natural, high-energy food loaded with antioxidants. It’s used to help suppress coughs and reduce allergy symptoms. Perhaps the most amazing fact about honey is that it’s a natural antibiotic. When applied to a burn or wound, it promotes healing because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. No wonder honey is used as an analogy of using our words like a honeycomb – sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Here are some effects of using words for the good of others: A wise tongue promotes healing. (Proverbs 12:18) Good words make a heart glad. (Proverbs 12:25) A soothing tongue is like the tree of life. (Proverbs 14:4) Words of edification impart grace to hearts. (Ephesians 4:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
When we are weighed down by the troubles of this world, one word of kindness can lift our spirits. A note of appreciation, a word of thanks, or a nice comment can help anxieties fade away. I’m not talking about false flattery or just telling people what they want to hear. That’s the wrong use of words. I’m talking about words of edification – words that build up others, not tear them down. We need to be honest, not cruel.
Think of words of affirmation and use them with others often. Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
Consider this… Maybe your mother was right when she said, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” About ninety percent of the time that’s pretty good advice to follow. When we must give instruction or guidance, we should do so with kindness. After all, a spoonful of honey can make the bad taste of medicine easier to swallow.
Here’s a final thought…
If we make our words sweet, they will be much easier to eat – if we have to!
