Proverbs 16:23-24
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
The purple powder puffs attracted bees.
Along the shore of Lake Erie, on a Port Clinton beach,
nodding thistle grew. Their purple heads bobbed in the breeze as bees buzzed
around them. The little winged creatures sought out the sweet nectar the
thistle offered. So content to collect the liquid from the plant, the bees
ignored me as I snapped their photo. They were intent on gathering the
ingredients to make honey, a sweet reward.
Unfortunately, in our busy lives sweetness doesn't always
abound. Have you ever said something you wished you could take back as soon as
the words left your mouth? I have. Instead of lifting someone up; I said things
that hurt. In junior high school, before I became a Christian, I remember
saying something offensive to a girl I barely knew, to this day I wish I hadn't
said anything. I not only hurt her feelings, but I carried the burden of speaking
without thinking with me. I don't even remember what I said, but I know it upset
her.
Maybe it's a good thing the pain I caused stayed with me—as
a reminder that God wants me to choose my words wisely, to run what I say
through His filter and determine if it is hurtful or kind. The lesson has stuck
with me for years.
Every person is going through something. Difficulties have
touched everyone, especially during the pandemic. Proverbs tells me gracious
and kind words sooth and heal. With February proclaimed the month of love, help
me spread love, kindness, and joy to every person. Instead of spitting negative
thoughts into the air, let honey pour from our lips.
Speak with the graciousness and spread God's love.
