Words to hurt or words to heal?

Amanda MacQuarrie January 28, 2019 0 1

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Proverbs 16: 24

24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

I don’t know about you, but for me, that image of honeycomb and healing to the bones is one of wholeness and a feeling of wellbeing; of the sense of honeycomb melting on your tongue and the feeling of joy it brings, or that summer feeling of the sun warming you right to your bones and the feeling of wellbeing it produces.

And yet it’s talking about words.

Whenever people come together there are words…

And as we know all too well, words can cut, hurt, wound and scar!

But words can also be a soothing balm.

Healing, restoring, soothing.

Think of a parent soothing a crying baby, whispering soothing sounds and words in its ear while holding it close – imagine the sense of love and care experienced; the feeling of safety and security.

Imagine if the words we speak had that effect on those around us!

If we spoke words which sooth and encourage rather than destroy,

Words which build up and bring love rather than tear down…

What might need to happen inside of us for our hearts to be seedbeds of such sweet words?

Lord,

Search me and know my heart;

Root out the fear, 

Inadequacies,

Petty jealousies and thoughtlessness

That seeps out in harsh words.

Pour ointment on my scars,

Heal my hurts;

Lest they become the breeding ground for bitterness,

Or words which hurt or wound others.

Amen.