Proverbs 16:24

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about gracious words:

Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Does our society know the power of "gracious words?" We live in such a harsh society. Our words are carried around in quivers at our side waiting to be shot from the tongue like arrows from a bow. Our bow strings are taut and stand at the ready with hurtful expressions and harmful dialogue. It takes extra effort to say "nice" things. It takes energy to say something that will bring healing to an argument or sweetness to a soul that is hurting; even wanting to hurt you. But, Proverbs 16:24 is never-the-less true. Even though, as James says, our tongues are a powerful weapon and, like a rutter of a ship, stears us in any direction, it has the potential to heal. We can see people who are damaged and injuried that can have their day resurrected with a kind word. We can still a storm with a calm response. Today we can make our speech matter. We can use our tongues in a mighty way to bring healing to the bones of a weary and wicked land. We need to speak pleasant words to those we come across.   If we think of Job's three friends we are reminded of how NOT to do this.   Note what Job says about his friends:  

Job 16:1-2

Then Job answered and said:

“I have heard many such things;

miserable comforters are you all.

Job's friends had committed to come to Job to offer him comfort.   Epic fail!!!   They could have brought words to comfort his suffering.  Instead they used their words as arrows, piercing his soul.