In the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, chapter 14, verse 27,
Jonathan, the son of Saul, the first king of Israel, found and ate honey in the
midst of a hard day of battle. The text says that afterward “his eyes became
brighter”. In other words, as the New Living Translation puts it, “he felt
refreshed”. It is amazing what food can do to perk a person up, especially if
it is nutritious and good tasting.
This week’s Fighter Verse, Proverbs 16:24, reminds
us that pleasant, godly speech functions in the same manner: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” The word
translated “gracious” is used elsewhere to speak of the beauty of God (Psalms
27:4 and 90:17), as well as that which is pleasing to the Lord (Proverbs 15:26)
and brings good results (Proverbs 3:17). The point seems to be that when we
speak words that please God, words that are true, that are with love, they
reflect the splendor of God and bring benefit to the other person. Such speech for
the one who hears it is as refreshing as coming across delicious, nutritious
food when weak and famished.
The reality is that the words of those who speak rashly or in anger
feel like sword thrusts, yet, those who speak in wisdom benefit their friends
(Proverbs 12:18; Ephesians 4:29). So, is your speech bringing refreshment or is
it cutting others down?
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