The Sweetness of Honey

Day Forty-Three

The Sweetness of Honey  (Read Proverbs 16:20-33)

"Turn all things to honey; this is the law of divine living." ~ Sri Aurobindo

In a world often inundated with noise and superficial discourse, the power of wise speech stands out as a beacon of clarity and understanding. The eloquence of such communication captivates listeners and nourishes their very essence, healing both the soul and the body—a profound merism that encapsulates the entirety of human experience. Wise speech, characterized by thoughtful expression and rooted in truth, resonates deeply within us, evoking reflection, fostering connection, and ultimately restoring a sense of wholeness in an increasingly fragmented society.

"Sweet words and tones." We all like to hear something good, don't we? We turn on the news or read the newspaper, which is riddled with bad news: "If it reads, it bleeds." It's a shame more people don't read the Bible. It is filled with not just good news but the best news ever. That is what the gospel is—good news.

Also, we should learn to deliver our words with the sweetness of honey now instead of trying to say them with flowers and a jar of honey after it's too late.

²⁰ Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

²¹ The wise are known for their understanding,
    and pleasant words are persuasive.

²² Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it,
    but discipline is wasted on fools.

²³ From a wise mind comes wise speech;
    the words of the wise are persuasive.

²⁴ Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

"I don't feel very much like Pooh today," said Pooh. "There there," said Piglet. "I'll bring you tea and honey until you do." ~ A. A. Milne

Our words and how we deliver them matter and matter dearly. What comes out of our mouths indicates what resides in our hearts. If our speech is not gracious, it's not sweet, causing our words to become detractors instead of attractors. Our speech becomes sweeter as the heart matures and heals. If you want to share sweeter words, stop swearing, and turn down your tone a tad, then look to the heart. When your heart changes, so will your vocabulary and delivery. Our words, tone, and delivery won't change merely on a wish or from crossing our fingers; we need a heart cleansing. 

Are your words as sweet as honey? Does your speech have healing properties and attract and bring others closer to God? Would others affirm your responses? It's never too late for God to enter into your heart, heal you of your iniquities, and fill your heart with the Holy Spirit so your words possess the sweetness of honey.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.