What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:24? Pleasant words • God repeatedly highlights the power of choice words: “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1); “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). • Pleasant does not mean shallow flattery. It means words that are truthful, gracious, and timely—speech that reflects the kindness of Christ (Colossians 4:6). • James warns that the tongue can bless or curse (James 3:9-10), so the call is to let it bless. When we open our mouths, we are either building or breaking; pleasant words consciously choose building. are a honeycomb • In Solomon’s day honeycomb was pure, rare, and prized. Saying “pleasant words are a honeycomb” assigns them tangible worth. • Scripture often links honey with what is precious and life-giving. God’s laws are “sweeter than honey from the comb” (Psalm 19:10); wisdom itself is compared to honeycomb (Proverbs 24:13). • Just as honey nourishes and energizes, gracious speech revives weary hearts (Isaiah 50:4). sweet to the soul • Sweetness reaches deeper than taste; it touches the inner person. “Pleasant words” refresh the mind, will, and emotions the way cool water revives a traveler (Proverbs 25:25). • They counter discouragement: “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up” (Proverbs 12:25). • They mirror Christ, whose invitation “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) still sweetens souls today. and healing to the bones • The phrase moves from the inner person to the very framework of the body, picturing total well-being. • Proverbs affirms this holistic impact elsewhere: “A soothing tongue is a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4) and “the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18). • Our words can actually lift spirits that in turn affect physical health—modern medicine confirms what Scripture declared: hope and encouragement strengthen the body (Proverbs 3:8). • Ephesians 4:29 frames the command positively: speak “only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” summary Proverbs 16:24 celebrates the God-given power of speech. Kind, truthful, gracious words are like honeycomb—valuable, delightful, and restorative. They reach the deepest parts of a person, refreshing the soul and strengthening the body. Choosing such speech lets us mirror God’s own life-giving voice, bless those around us, and experience His promised sweetness ourselves. |
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