“Kind words are like honey—enjoyable and healthful.”
Proverbs 16:24 TLB
I can still hear my mother’s voice on a day when I felt discouraged and overwhelmed. With just a few gentle words, she lifted a burden from my heart and reminded me that I was not alone. In that moment, her kindness felt like honey—sweet, comforting, and healing. When I read Proverbs 16:24, I immediately think of her.
No matter what she was going through, her words were usually kind, encouraging, and uplifting. She seemed to understand something many of us are still learning—that words have power. They can build up or tear down, heal or wound, comfort or discourage.
Honey has long been valued for its many benefits. It is sweet to the taste, soothing to a sore throat, and known for its healing properties. It provides energy, contains antioxidants, and has even been used to aid in wound care. Honey is both enjoyable and beneficial.
God says kind words are like that.
They are sweet to the hearer and healthy for the soul. Kind words can calm anxious hearts, mend broken spirits, strengthen weary people, and bring hope to those who are struggling. Sometimes a simple word of encouragement can change the entire course of someone’s day.
What if we performed a “taste test” on our words before we spoke them?
Before speaking, we might ask ourselves:
* Are these words enjoyable or bitter?
* Will they nourish or wound?
* Will they bring healing or hurt?
* Would I want someone to speak these words to me?
The amazing thing is that kind words don’t just bless the person receiving them—they bless the one speaking them as well. A heart filled with kindness often experiences more peace, joy, and contentment.
Today, let’s be intentional about our words. Let’s season our conversations with grace and kindness. May our words be like honey—sweet to the taste, healing to the heart, and beneficial to everyone who hears them.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the example of those who have shown us kindness through their words. Help us to think before we speak and to offer words that encourage, heal, and bless. May our speech be like honey—sweet, enjoyable, and healthful to those around us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
