24 Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. – Proverbs 16:24
“Nice suit” the woman said to me across an interview table. This was unexpected given her barrage of rapid-fire questions and general disinterest. It caught me off guard. I barely remember not getting the job, I do remember her comment on my favorite suit. Good words have a way of sticking to you.
While much has been said about the power of words and the cost of saying death words, perhaps we should speak about what is never said – the words that rattle around our soul and die within our throat. How many times do we keep words of “honey” to ourselves? As believers, our words have the incredible power to strengthen and brighten the days of those around us. It is a spiritual commandment for us to speak up when the Spirit convicts us.
Confession: I am overly hungry for these words. I will strategically posture conversation to receive good words.
Many Sundays I preach. Being a person who thrives on compliments, genuine or not, I need feedback. “How did I make you feel?” “What do you mean it was good?” Over and over goes the insatiable need for confirmation.
I suspect I am not alone. We all need encouragement. No one is sure of themselves. No one is confident. Everyone wears their version of insecurity. As extensions of God’s grace, we are to speak kindly to all. Not out of pity or hollow flattery, but out of genuine respect for God’s image within them.
Words have a long shelf life.
Matt simon blog 