Sometimes to obtain wisdom, you have to extract from the wise. That’s what I love about King Solomon. Sometimes when I read the book of Proverbs, it just blows my mind–I believe it’s one of my favorite books of the Bible.
One of my favorite scriptures that I had to meditate on today is:
Proverbs 16: 23-24
The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Harmful words can cause deep wounds that could be resistant to healing as more and more harmful expressions (bacteria) seep into an already gaping wound. Although our wounds may heal, sometimes there are lasting scars, some more susceptible to abrasion than others. We try to bandage the wounds with facades of having thick skin–acting out the childhood cliché, “but words will never hurt me”…BUT, the truth of the matter is WORDS DO HURT. If the hurtful words from the past aren’t quite healed all the way, it’s easy for old wounds to re-open. If we don’t allow ourselves the proper healing time (not by reflecting, but forgiving and moving forward) eventually, over time the overlap of harsh, unedifying words can become necrotic. It can begin eating away at our character, causing us to become guarded, negative and hard. This can further promote the spread of toxic/poisonous communication to others.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT…
Ancient research has found that honey has several valuable properties for healing. That’s what’s so powerful about this scripture. GO AHEAD SOLOMON WITH YO’ WISE SELF!
Let’s take a look:
1) Honey prohibits the growth of bacteria from entering a wound (Protective)
2) Honey helps keeps skin moist, encouraging the growth of new tissue, reduces the likelihood of scarring, and promotes easy removal of bandages (Soothing/Healing)
3) Helps kills cells that cause cancer (Kills antibodies that can invade and demolish the body)
How are the words that flow from your lip? Do they inflict hurt or do they encourage? Do they exhibit these qualities listed above or are completely opposite?
As we continue to crucify our flesh daily–let us keep in mind that our words have meaning and can impact others in harmful ways. Instead, let’s strive to impact in healthy ways. Tell the truth in love, be genuine, encourage, and help lift up…after all, the words we speak, we may have to eat someday. Might as well make it tasty!
In the Eyes of Spyies 