How can we apply the sweetness of words in our marriages today? “Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like honeycomb; milk and honey are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the scent of Lebanon.” The verse paints a rich picture of marital delight flowing from kind, life-giving speech. Below is a simple, practical walk through how that honeyed language can season our marriages today. Savoring the Imagery • Honeycomb—sweetness that is pure, unprocessed, abundant • Milk and honey under the tongue—lasting richness stored up and ready to share • Fragrance—words create an atmosphere others notice Why Sweet Words Matter • Proverbs 16:24: “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” • Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need.” • Marriage thrives when spouses feel safe, honored, and delighted in; sweet words supply that daily nourishment. Cultivating a Honeycomb Tongue 1. Start the Day with Affirmation – One specific compliment before breakfast (Proverbs 31:28) 2. Use “Thank-You” Liberally – Acknowledge even routine tasks; gratitude guards against entitlement. 3. Replace Critique with Curiosity – Ask, “Help me understand,” instead of declaring fault (James 1:19). 4. Speak Blessings Aloud – End each evening by voicing one way God is working in your spouse (Numbers 6:24-26 principle). 5. Memorize and Recite Shared Scripture – When tension rises, quoting a familiar verse together resets the tone. Guarding Against Bitter Words • Proverbs 25:11: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Timing matters. • James 3:10-11 warns that blessing and cursing should not flow from the same mouth. • Practical filter: If it cannot pass Philippians 4:8 (true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable), keep it unsaid until it can. Keeping the Aroma Fresh • Weekly Check-In – Five minutes each Sunday to ask, “Did my words refresh you this week?” • Written Notes – A brief text or sticky-note scripture mid-day keeps sweetness circulating. • Celebrate Progress – When either spouse notices kinder speech, say so immediately; encouragement multiplies. Sweet words do more than sound pleasant—they embody covenant love, reflect Christ’s gentleness, and spread a fragrance the whole home can enjoy. Keep the honey flowing. |
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