“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV)
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. I can’t tell you how many times I heard this phrase growing up. When I was a little girl, my mom used to tell me that I should just ignore people when they would say mean and hurtful things to or about me.
But the truth of the matter is, words are powerful. And when we use them carelessly, without regard for the person on the receiving end of what we have to say, they can really hurt.
Advancing technology and social media has made it easier than ever to communicate with one person — or hundreds of people — on a daily basis. But before we send an email or text message, before we click post or share, how many of us actually stop and ask ourselves: Are my words healing or hurtful? Do they build up or do they tear down?
Proverbs 16:24 gives us a clear picture of what the “fruit” of our words can produce, and how sweet their effect can be. As representatives of Christ, our desire should be to reflect His nature and to produce the fruit of His Spirit in everything we do and say. So are your words like a honeycomb? Are they producing sweetness in the lives around you, giving health and vitality to those who listen?
Lord, I pray that my heart and my speech would reflect the gentleness of Christ. Remind me that my words are powerful and that they have the ability to hurt — and also to heal. Help me to use wisdom when I speak so that the words I share will produce fruit that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Action
Today before you speak, share, or post, ask yourself this question: What kind of fruit will my words produce?