Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
We are connected beings—body, soul and spirit. When our emotions are stressed it can make us physically sick. When we harbor anger or bitterness, it has an impact on our spiritual health. Yet pleasant words are like a medicine for all our integrated parts. But here is the question, to whom do the pleasant words bring health—to the one speaking them or to the one hearing them? I would say both! Pleasant words build up and encourage the hearer. They can heal many hurt feelings and sooth frustrations or misunderstandings. But the person speaking pleasant words reaps benefits too, in a way, because they also are hearing the same words in their own ears.
Regardless of what people might say or joke about, I think it is okay to talk out loud to yourself, as long as you speak pleasant and uplifting words. Tell yourself in the mirror how lovely you are, because you really are lovely to God! Remind yourself daily that you are a called, chosen, blessed, loved, redeemed, accepted child of God, because that IS who you are! (See Ephesians 1:3-14)
You might hear negative comments or complaining from others all the day long, but you can still speak God’s truth out loud to yourself. Even David faced times when everyone was against him. In those times the Bible says that he “encouraged himself in the Lord.” (1 Samuel 30:6)
Let those sweet words sink in and enrich your day. Feel the good love and confidence that wells up in your spirit when you receive God’s pleasant words in your ears. It is not enough to just think pleasant words; the power is in transferring those words from your brain to your (and others) physical ears.
Many miss the idea that our spoken words are also a powerful weapon against the devil. Paul lists six pieces of armor in Ephesians 6:13-17 that God has given believers to stand against the evil of the devil. But he doesn’t stop there. Continue reading Ephesians 6:18-20:
…praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit…and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.
Yes, our loudly uttered prayers and bold witness will put the devil to flight! I pray your day will be filled with pleasant sweetness from both the Word of God and from those around you who have discovered the secret power of pleasant words. And you, spread some pleasant words around too! Empower someone else you meet today with your beautiful speech. For indeed, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)
Is there a verse that is especially lovely to your heart today? Speak it out! And may it bring sweetness to your soul and health to your bones as well as to those around you.
–dmrf
(Attached image created using AI, but all text content is original composition.)