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Proverbs 16:24 - Pleasant Words Are As A Honeycomb, Sweet To The Mind And Healing To The BodyProverbs 16:24 (NKJV) Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24 (NLT) Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 (AMP) Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body. COMMENTARY PEARL Soothing Words It takes just as much energy to say a positive word as it does a negative one. In fact, it may actually take less. Research has shown that when we speak positive words - even in difficult circumstances or troubling situations - we become relaxed. As we relax, the flow of blood to the brain increases. A well-oxygenated brain can think more creatively, make wise decisions, find reasonable solutions, and generate pertinent answers. Positive words ease relationships and create an atmosphere of peace that is conducive to rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation--all of which are necessary for good health. A continual flow of negative words causes relationships to suffer, which creates an atmosphere of disharmony and makes for fitful sleep and frayed nerves--none of which are healthy! Contrary to popular thought, negative words do not release tension. They keep the body in a state of tension, constricting muscles and blood vessels, which often causes irrational behavior. One of the best things we can do for our overall health is to carefully monitor our speech habits! [God's Little Devotional Bible] COMMENTARY As a beekeeper, I'm grateful for every teaspoon of honey I collect and consume. I also enjoy giving it away, knowing how healthy it is. Honey is a miraculous substance. Did you know it was found in the tombs of the Egyptians, thousands of years old, and still edible? When kept properly, honey never spoils. It's used for medicinal purposes such as healing infections and alleviating allergies. Honey contains water, vitamins, minerals, and necessary enzymes to give the body energy, making it one of the only known foods with all the ingredients to keep us alive. Proverbs 16:24 compares our words to honey. Words are also life giving. Many scriptures admonish us to use our tongues wisely. In Proverbs alone, more than seventeen verses direct us to use words for healing, hope, and life. Jesus spoke many kind and healing words during His time on earth. He complimented a Centurion's faith before healing his sick servant (Matthew 8:5-13). He commended the persistent Canaanite woman's great faith as she pleaded for her daughter's healing (Matthew 15:28). And He praised Mary, Martha's sister, for choosing to sit and listen to Him rather than anxiously laboring (Luke 10:38-42). Like honey, gracious words have a miraculous impact on those with whom we speak. I intend to use kind words to encourage those around me and point them to Jesus, who is the ultimate salve for our souls. I want to offer gracious words freely, just as I give away jars of honey. Honey and Jesus - two sweet treats, healthy for body and soul. Jeannie Blackivier Faith Step: Give someone an unexpected and sincere compliment today. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] ILLUSTRATION A few days ago, my husband, Michael, arrived home from work looking tired and hungry. While he hung up his coat, I asked him if he had remembered to call our mortgage broker. "No, I forgot," he answered. "You never make it a priority to do what I've asked you to do!" I exclaimed in frustration. I really wanted our refinance application to get finalized. "To say that I never make your requests important is a little bit harsh, Jennifer Anne," he said. As I reflected on Michael's response, conviction filled my heart. Proverbs 11:16 (NASB) came to mind: "A gracious woman attains honor." Graciousness is honorable because it is truly difficult to be gracious - meaning kind, courteous, and merciful - in every situation. I purposed to make a conscious effort to be gracious in my speech by speaking encouraging and uplifting words to my husband, my kids, and my friends; in my attitude by striving to be more patient and forgiving when people make mistakes; and in my actions by giving people a smile or friendly greeting. At dinner that night, I offered Michael a heartfelt apology. He graciously forgave me. By relying on Jesus's strength and with the Holy Spirit's guidance, my words can be sweet, healing, and graceful in every situation and with everyone I encounter each day. Jennifer Anne F. Messing Faith Step: How gracious is your speech? If you're about to think or speak unkind words, with Jesus's help, consciously replace them with tenderhearted, loving words instead. [Mornings With Jesus 2023 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |