Devotional

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” —Proverbs 16:24 

You’ve heard the old adage your whole life: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” It’s often spoken in response to a verbal insult, a way of disarming jeers.  

The Bible, however, makes it clear that our words do matter. Reckless words pierce like swords (Prov. 12:18), stir up anger (Prov. 15:1), and even possess the power of life and death (Prov. 18:21). Words can and do hurt. 

Gracious words, however, are generative—they bring life. They are sweet and healing. 

 Your words, filled with grace, can bridge hopelessness to hope. Where things hurt, they bind wounds. Where things are broken, they repair. Where things are raw, they soothe.  

 Think about the potential your words bring into every interaction and setting throughout your day.  

 This brief proverb deserves our attention and intention. It’s worthy of mention in our morning prayers every day: May the words of my mouth, God, be pleasing to you! 

 My prayer for this week: 

Gracious Lord, I recognize the power of the tongue to bring harm. I also realize that, seasoned with grace and love, my words can bring great good. I want that—I want my words today and every day to help, heal, and bring hope. Help me measure my words today. Help me listen well, and speak wisely and graciously. May others be blessed, and may you be honored!