Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

When people go to church, they often are pretty sure a good sermon is very applicable ... to someone else.

This past week one of my old friends told me how his pastor had been preaching on Proverbs 16:24a. That passage says, "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul ..."

My friend's minister spent considerable time talking about how sweet, kind words can accomplish far more than those which are spit out with venom or in anger.

Apparently my pal's wife was paying close attention to the message. After the pastor had said, "Amen!" and while the congregation was taking up the collection, she turned to her hubbie and whispered, "Honey, I just love to watch your muscles ripple ... when you're taking out the garbage."

Now my friend assured me he didn't rush home to take out the garbage. No, that's not what happened at all. He said he wasn't that easily manipulated.

On the other hand, when he did take out the garbage, every muscle he had was flexed to the max.

I like that verse the pastor used -- words that are sweet to the soul.

Has it occurred to you that Jesus speaks to us with words which are sweet to the soul?

In His parables, with His sermons, through His prayers, Jesus gives us that which brings peace and draws us closer to Him who gave His life so that all who believe on Him might be forgiven and live with Him forever.

That takes care of Jesus' words. Now, what can be said about our words?

Are they kind and sweet or are they bitter and brash?

The words of Proverbs are a great reminder: We really can better accomplish our purposes (and the Lord's) if we follow the Redeemer's example and present our thoughts, our worries, and concerns in a positive way.

Think of all the possibilities, the potential opportunities, and the chance of making a presentation to someone in regard to the Christ.

So, for today, let's try an experiment as much as we are able -- let our words drip with honey.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Lord God, today whenever I open my mouth, may my words be uplifting, encouraging, and dripping with honey. When I speak of the Savior, may it be with words of kindness and truth. In the Name of the ever-living Lord of life I pray it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Daniel 11-12    1 Timothy 1

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