Healthy words

The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, And adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:23‭-‬24 NKJV https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.16.23-24.NKJV

Although much is found in our society about health, healthy words are from Scripture.

This verse clearly connects the wise in heart to words which are carefully chosen, full of the knowledge of God, and bring sweetness to the soul.

For God’s Word is where we find truth and guidance for life.

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV — Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Jesus explained why we are to be so careful about the words we speak.

Matthew 12:34 NKJV — “Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

“…no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth…” Because that means the corruption is within.

James speaks of the difficulty of taming the tongue, but points to the fact that those who do are full of self-discipline.

James 3:2 NKJV — For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Self-discipline is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT — For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

“The heart of the wise teaches his mouth…” Because God is teaching his heart.

And the wise in heart understands the power of the tongue.

The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.
Proverbs 16:21 NKJV

Learning, knowledge of God, and wisdom can all be found in Scripture and the Holy Spirit is here to teach our hearts through God’s Word.

James 3:17-18 NKJV — But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

May your day be filled with healthy words.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word. Thank You for giving instruction that I might not sin against You or others. Lord, I want to be one whose words are sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. I want my heart to overflow into words of wisdom and encouragement, based upon Your Word in all things. Lord Jesus, often I am unsure of what I should say, words seem to escape me and other times words of corruption want to bubble out of my sinful heart. Lord, only in You can I be made clean. Only in You can my words be washed and purified. Please work in me today and let no corrupt word proceed out of my mouth. Thank You. Amen.

Sweetness

Proverbs 16:24 NKJV — Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

“Pleasant words…

…are like a honeycomb,”

How true this is.

For what one of us can not attest to the truth of a word spoken well bringing healing or joy or wholeness to our hearts?

Words can hold such meaning.

Truth, kindness, love can all be communicated through words.

The best, most pleasant words ever spoken are those which speak the good news of the Gospel.

The words of truth, those of the Bible, are the most valuable words of all.

“Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

What could possibly be sweeter than hearing about salvation through Christ Jesus?

What could bring more soundness to one than security of life in Christ?

Truly, those who are called by the name of the Lord have such pleasant words to share.

Words of hope.

Words of truth.

Words of encouragement.

Let us, this day be thoughtful of our words.

Let’s spread a little sweetness this week through pleasant words.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word. Nothing is sweeter than Your truth. Please continue to pour into my heart and mind Your Word. Please help it to reside within me that I might share it. Lord, please fill my mouth with Your pleasant words. Please keep a watch over my lips, that I might speak only things which would edify those who listen. May my life glorify Your name. Thank You. Amen.

The sweetness of praise

Anne’s chocolate and strawberry cake.

Although, sweetness and certain foods are often congruent in my mind, it’s a temporary thing.

The sweetness of praise has been coloring all my perspective of late.

It began on Wednesday.

My physical condition was creating a need within me.

I needed scripture.

Balm to my soul and so I turned to Psalms.

There is something so sweet about praising God.

Especially, during a time of struggle or pain.

As my week continued I found even more comfort in the Psalms.

For my physical condition had me laying on the couch, unable to do much.

Yet, my soul found such joy is praising God.

To simply lay all my desires into the Lord’s hands and focus on praising Him.

To put off the things I couldn’t do and instead focus on Jesus.

To worship Him with each break of day, to praise His amazing attributes throughout the day, to lift up prayers and praise at the close of the day.

And to choose to trust Him no matter how I am feeling.

It’s been a sweetness of the soul, nothing outward could possibly bring.

I’m finally feeling a bit better.

And I’m so thankful to God.

He knew all of this was going to occur and He provided for me in incredible ways.

The Word of the Lord is true.

It is my refuge in times of trouble.

Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.
Psalms 20:6 NKJV

Praise the Lord, for He is good!

I hope you will choose to dine on the Lord’s sweetness and find new ways to praise Him in Your every day.

May your heart be filled with a long lasting taste of God and His goodness!

Psalm 34:8 NKJV — Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Sweetness

The honey bee finds food here and we find food from the honey bee.

Sweetness in food is good, but sweetness in spirit is better.

How does one find sweetness in this life?

Where is the best place to find those things which make up a sweet spirit?

Peace, gentleness, kindness, thoughtfulness, genuine compassion,
love.

These things are difficult to find in the marketplace.

It’s amazing that with the variety of items for purchase, kindness cannot be.

Gentleness is not a garment which can be worn at will.

True love which gives and sacrifices without looking for personal gain is precious indeed, yet no amount of money will secure it.

Thoughtfulness takes careful training and continual practice to be a daily reaction.

Yet, as difficult as these things are to find, the world would certainly be a howling wilderness without them.

Where do they come from?

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

So the most valuable items are not for sale.

Instead God offers them to us freely.

The only way to truly walk in these things is to be in close personal relationship with God Almighty.

It doesn’t happen over night.

It doesn’t come upon demand.

It’s a by-product of self-to-death and God-as-Lord.

When Jesus Christ is the very fabric of a person then there will be these things present also.

“Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the most priceless gifts. I’ve never known a time when I couldn’t find peace in Your arms or gentleness in Your comfort. When I’m struggling You give me the  self-control I’m lacking. When I’m tired of the battle You give me long-suffering and love abundantly, for I know every battle against evil is worthwhile, please help me to remember we do not fight flesh and blood. Your goodness sustains me when all the World seems full of wrong. Thank You, Father. Thank You!”