Sweet Words

Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body. —Proverbs 16:24

Sit back and close your eyes. Recall a time when someone said words that really encouraged you. Perhaps it was your mom or dad who said, “I believe in you!” Or maybe a good friend uttered those needed words of affirmation, “Don’t give up! You can do it.” Or possibly a teacher’s words were all you needed when she said, “You have a real gift in this area!” Proverbs tells us, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.” Notice that we can’t separate the body and soul. Sweet words can minister spiritual and physical blessing and health.

Honey is a natural sweetener that boosts energy. Likewise, words of encouragement boost our spirits. I’m so grateful for people who speak affirming, healing words into my life. But I don’t want to just be the beneficiary of encouragement—I also want to be an encourager to others.

May we speak healing words that promote good health—words filled with grace, blessing, and hope.