A Sword or a Honeycomb

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, ESV)

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24, ESV) 

The two proverbs above give a sharp contrast in how our words affect others. Reckless words can be like sword thrusts that cut deep and leave scars? Our gracious and kind words are sweet like honey. Often, we do not realize the effect of our words on another. But we should.

Why would Solomon compare kind, gracious words to honey? It’s more than just its sweetness. Honey also contains healing properties. In fact, you may have used honey for its soothing benefits yourself. Have you ever put honey in a cup of tea when you had a bad cough and cold? It’s soothing.

According to the Mayo Clinic, honey does possess some medicinal benefits. “In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing” (https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-honey/art-20363819). (The article does caution to never to give honey to a child under one year old.)

Who among us hasn’t been stung by the hasty or angry words of another? Perhaps that person was a good friend or loved one. Hopefully, we are not the one being reckless with our words and wounding another. A Native American proverb says, “The tongue has no bones, but it is strong enough to break a heart. So be careful with your words.” Our words have power to harm or to heal.

The Bible has much to say about the power of our words and the importance of choosing them carefully. The Epistle of James gives a strong admonition to believers. It exposes our hypocrisy and shows how easy it is to deceive ourselves.

“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” (James 1:26, ESV)

Some will excuse their words or actions with a shrug and say, “That’s just the way I am.” By saying this, they are refusing to feel responsible for any wounds their words inflict. They may even accuse the victim of their words as being “too sensitive” or “taking it wrong.”

While it is easy for words to crush us, the right words will also heal us. Words of encouragement and concern lift us up in a time of discouragement, sorrow, or trouble. They become “sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

“Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.” (Proverbs 12:18, NLT)

Let’s spread a little honey today, a little healing wherever we go. With our words we offer:

Today, let’s turn Ephesians 4:29 into our personal prayer. Dear Lord, let no corrupting talk come out of my mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear me.

Suggestion: Add to the above list of the positive words you will speak into the lives of those you meet today.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments section.