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Annette's Notes, Issue #004 -- Sweeter Than Honey
June 20, 2014


Sweeter than Honey

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
Proverbs 16:24

As I was reading this verse the other day, I considered my words. Are they pleasant? Kind? Sweet? Sometimes.

But what about when I have to deal with a misbehaving child? Or a rude adult? Or a long wait? Or things not working according to my carefully constructed plan?

The quickest way to change the flavor of an unpleasant situation is to inject some kind words. However, sometimes it’s hard to come up with those kind words in the middle of the unpleasantness. My words are not sweet enough. I need God’s words. His Word makes my words sweeter. As the Psalmist said:

A while ago when I was writing a lesson on honey and the Bible, I did a little research to compare the uses and benefits of honey to the uses and benefits of God’s Word. Here’s what I found:

USES & BENEFITS OF HONEY

  • Natural sweetener
  • Boosts energy
  • Soothes sore throats
  • Used in beauty products
    (attracts and retains moisture, helps protect from UV rays, gentle on sensitive skin)
  • Home remedy for all kinds of problems, from cuts to athlete’s foot
  • Doesn’t spoil – prevents growth of bacteria

USES & BENEFITS OF THE BIBLE
(as compared to HONEY)

  • Adds sweetness to our thoughts
  • Gives us a spiritual boost when we’re down
  • Soothes and smooths our words
  • Helps us act more beautifully
  • Contains the remedy (cure) for sin – and the problems that come from sin
  • Doesn’t spoil – will last forever

If I read God’s Word regularly, it becomes part of me. When I open my mouth to speak, there is less of me and more of Him. My words become more pleasant, promoting sweetness of the soul and health of the body – in others and myself.

Today I pray with David: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) After all, David was “the sweet psalmist of Israel” (2 Samuel 23:1), and he knew a little something about pleasant words.

Blessings,
~Annette

P.S. You can access my lesson comparing honey to the Bible here: I Love My Bible L. 3 HONEY and printables with the Uses & Benefits of Honey and the Bible here: Uses and Benefits of Honey and the Bible.

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