Sweet as a Honeycomb

This article was featured in our March 2004 newsletter.

“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24

In our prayers each morning we should seek God’s guidance in our choice of words through out the day. Often times, how we say something can mean the difference between hurt feelings or love.

Imagine that you have been home all day with the children. Things started out as a nice day. Your husband left for work after kissing your cheek. But as the day progressed, the children began being naughty in every way. You stress levels began to rise as each hour passed, and you realized you were behind on your daily chores. Now it is 6:30 in the evening and your husband is an hour late. You begin to worry that something has happened to him. The baby is crying, supper is on the stove finally, and your toddler is begging for supper - now! Obviously, your frustration has peaked and you wish you had help from your husband. What happens when he walks through the door?

Do you greet him with a scowl saying, “How could you be so thoughtless? I really needed you here on time today. I have had a horrible day! Your supper is getting cold! I just can’t believe you would choose today of all days not to be on time!”

Or do you greet him with a hug saying, “I am so glad you are home! I was worried something had happened to you. The kids have really needed you today, too. I’ll warm up our supper so we can eat.”

Which of these scenarios do you think would have the happiest ending? Sometimes if we just reword what we are thinking and say it with a pleasant voice, our entire day can change from one of bickering to one of hugs, laughter, and love.

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievious words stir up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1

 If you can see that someone is upset, use the opportunity to speak softly and turneth away wrath. By the same token, don’t greet someone in anger, speak softly with kindness and concern.

 We are more likely to win others over to Christ if they see “the law of kindness” on our tongues. James 1:26 says that,“If any man among you seems to be religous, and bridleth not his tongue, but decieveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” The words we use on a daily basis can speak volumes about our relationship with Christ to those around us. Why would a non-believe want to join the family of God if he can’t see anything different in the you the believer? Are you an angry Christian or a happy Christian? When you are with your family, friends, and associates do you use the time to uplift one another or pull each other down? Gossip can lead to hurt feelings. Foul language and dirty jokes are not pleasing to the Lord at any time.

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”
Proverbs 15:4

 So today, as you use words to express yourself to your family and friends, remember the wise advice the Bible has to offer about words. There are many, many ways to convey your thoughts to others. If you are upset, take a deep breath and collect your thoughts before you speak. Realize that it is better to wait to say what you are thinking, if later you might regret what you have said. And when you are in the presence of others, don’t use words that you would be embarrassed to say to God himself. After all, He is watching all that you do. We should live our lives as though there is no tomorrow. Are our words preparing us for the kingdom or pushing us away? God will bless us when we watch what we say and how we say it. “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile … for the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that will do evil.” ( 1 Peter 3:10- 12 ) What do you hear yourself saying? Listen carefully, and speak with wisdom from God.

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23

 
Photo Credit: Phil Beard