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Use Your Nice Words!
In the Word
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs 16:24).
Of the Word
The industrious honey bee produces a natural sweetener that is good-tasting and is thought to have health benefits as well. But when angered, that little bee can inflict a painful sting that, in extreme cases, can cause illness or even death.
The words we use are much like that little bee. They can be soothing and kind, complimentary and loving, or filled with humor and happiness. But other words may sting, inflicting pain, killing good ideas, even diminishing someone’s self-worth.
Perhaps we should commit the sweet, good-tasting words of Colossians 4:6 to heart and allow them to flavor our speech in all situations: Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
A Point to Ponder: Today I will find at least one person to compliment, praise, or encourage.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, forgive me for the hurts my words have caused others. Help me to always speak graciously.
Also, grant me the wisdom to know when to keep silent. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 12/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
