Scripture

Proverbs 16:24 NIV

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Consider

In giving us the gift of human speech, God also gives us a serious responsibility. Words we speak to one another have an almost magical power to heal or to hurt. Gracious, kindly words cost us little, yet so often we withhold them out of stubbornness or pique. Even our silence can sting when someone needs the balm of our forgiveness.

The CEV Bible translates the above passage in this way: Kind words are like honey—they can cheer you up and make you feel strong. Interestingly, this benefit works for the speaker of those kind words as well as for the hearer. We ourselves are cheered and revitalized when we act on the decision to speak graciously to a person who has disappointed or offended us.

Pray

Gracious Father, make my words sweet like honey. Take away my desire to sting back when I have been stung and give me the grace and compassion I need to forgive. Turn my heart toward you and remind me of your sweet words that speak mercy and healing to me when I deserve condemnation.

Reflect

Proverbs 12:25; Genesis 37:4

Ponder

In what ways can harsh words injure the speaker as well as the hearer?