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

Proverbs 16:24

We have probably all heard the expression that sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me. We probably all know that isn’t true. Words can hurt, oftentimes more than sticks and stones. According to this verse written by Solomon, words can also heal. Here, gracious words are described as sweet to our soul and healing to our bones.

Gracious words would be words that deliver compassion, encouragement and are uplifting to the hearer. It is all to easy in our busy lives to speak words quickly and perhaps without thinking through how they may be received. I have been on the receiving end of very hurtful, ungracious words and unfortunately, I have been on the giving end of them as well. Gracious words are not simple flattery; they are sincere words that uplift a person’s heart, nourish the soul and bring healing to the bones. Our soul (mind, will and emotions) are connected to our bodies. Oftentimes, when our soul hurts from unkind words, our body is also hurt.

But Solomon tells us of a remedy – gracious words, pleasant words, uplifting words, words that are sweet to hear and nourishing and sweet to our soul as honey is to our body.

After so many years in captivity, the Israelites were being led into a land of milk and honey. Honey in the Bible was symbolic of abundance and plentitude. Honey was also used for healing, example: Jonathan’s eyes becoming bright after eating honey (I Samuel 14:27).

When we chose to use gracious words, whether we are speaking to others or to ourselves, we are releasing healing. Who doesn’t need some kind of healing?

Let’s chose to speak words that reflect God’s love and mercy and amazing grace over ourselves and others and watch healing flow.

Father, help me to be a giver of gracious words to myself and to others. Forgive me for the times I have used words that hurt others and hurt me. Help me to chose to speak words that heal and not words that hurt. Help me to honor You with my words, I ask in Jesus’s name, amen.

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