Scripture: “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”- (16:24)
Observation: Solomon tells his son that speaking kindly is similar to having a wonderful treat like the honeycomb. He states that words spoken with warmth and compassion can be healing to person’s physical and spiritual being!
Application: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I remember hearing this many times as a young girl, but now I realize that there is absolutely no truth to this statement. Words, whether intentional or not, can hurt deeply, but on the flip side, words can also restore, encourage, build-up, support, and so much more! Whenever a person speaks kindness to me, my heart is filled with so much joy!
This past weekend, I was feeling somewhat “down in the dumps” over some choices I had made that weren’t in the best interests for my health. I came down pretty hard on myself, which just compounded the issue in my mind. However, when I shared my unhappiness with a very dear sister-friend, she spoke to me with words of compassion, understanding, and encouragement. Then to top it off, she offered a few suggestions that completely changed my perspective and “flipped my switch” from negativity to positivity! What a difference her words made for me! They were a balm to my soul!
Proverbs 15:28 teaches, “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.” It takes practice to learn to “think before speaking”, but it is a valuable tool to have in your “relationship toolbox”. Speaking off the cuff can have disastrous results! When we choose to use the “tools” of kindness and compassion in our speech, it edifies the listener, but it also has benefits to us! We are rewarded by feelings of contentment and happiness in our own hearts, which validates the old saying, “kindness is its own reward”. Take time to be a good listener, then reflect on what was said before you respond, and when you do, your words will be pleasant and sweet to both you and the one to whom you are speaking!
Prayer: Dearest Father in heaven, thank You for loving me so deeply and caring for every little thing in my life. Thank You for your protection and guidance. Please, O God, set a guard over my mouth. Help me to think before I speak, and may my words be sweet and soothing to all who hear. Help me to speak as if I am speaking to You… in love and with all humility. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.
From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin, we shall be free;
And perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.
(from “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” by John Fawcett)
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“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” – Proverbs 25:11