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“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
The actual word “gracious” carries the meaning of kindness and warm courtesy. It is also full of tact and propriety.
Initially, when reading this verse, the thought was outward about speaking to others. But after pondering it for several minutes, we see that it can also have personal and good repercussions for our own selves.
Words can be used in so many ways. They can build up and/or they can ruthlessly tear down. The recipient of them will undoubtedly remember the “spirit” in which they were spoken.
It’s easy, in the heat of a moment, to simply let words slip off our tongue that sting and wound others. But do we realize those words often flow from a heart of pride? Those words are usually about building up and garnering attention for ourselves.
But what if we took a different approach to the words that we speak, intentionally filtering them with the help of the Holy Spirit?
Most certainly, we would begin to see a shift in our perspective on how our words deeply affect others, as well as our own hearts.
Perhaps negativity, gossip, anger, slandering, and selfishness would start to dissipate in our own lives as we let the sweetness of His words flow through us.
That thought alone brings healing to my heart.
Don’t say words just to be heard. Tell them to bring life to the hearts of others.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29
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