Biblical Influence & Life Application: Kind words are nourishing, soothing, comforting, uplifting, and encouraging, our speech must be appropriate as is befitting those who call themselves Christians

Speak kindly: Kind words are nourishing, soothing, comforting, uplifting, and encouraging, our speech must be appropriate as is befitting those who call themselves Christians (Proverbs 16.24).

Ø ²³A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!^{^[1]}

Ø ²¹The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.^{^[2]}

Ø ²⁴Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.^{^[3]}

Ø ¹¹A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.^{^[4]}

Ø ¹⁴He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him.^{^[5]}

Think about the picture described in this proverb: Is there anyone who would not want to be spoken to in such a sweet and pleasant manner? We desire to be nourished, soothed, comforted and uplifted by other people. It is no wonder, then, that kind words are likened to a honeycomb. Honey is delightful to taste and has nourishing properties that spread throughout the body. Like honey, pleasant words add sweetness to a person’s life and contribute to good health. Words carry great power, and wise people speak words that have a powerful impact and edify the hearts and lives of others. Their words of wisdom flow from the fear of the Lord and the understanding of His Word (2 Ti. 3:16).^{^[6]}

Ø ⁷The law of the Lord is perfect, ⁵converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; ⁸The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; ⁹The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. ¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. ¹¹Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.^{^[7]}

Ø ⁴ “The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear To hear as the learned.”^{^[8]}

Words (Communication, Expressions, Speech)

Why should we be careful with the words we use?

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:1–14

Key Bible Verse: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Our words ought to please God. Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God? David asked God to approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar. He began this psalm noting that the whole creation manages to express God’s glory. He ended his thoughts with a prayer that God might be pleased with his words. As you begin each day, determine to let God’s love guide what you say and how you think.

Bible Reading: Proverbs 13:1–6

Key Bible Verse: Those who control their tongue will have a long life; a quick retort can ruin everything. (Proverbs 13:3)

Words are so powerful that silence is sometimes the wisest action. You have not mastered self-control if you do not control what you say. Words can cut and destroy. James recognized this truth when he stated, “The tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do” (James 3:5). If you want to be self-controlled, begin with your tongue. Stop and think before you react or speak. If you can control this small but powerful member, you can control the rest of your body.

Bible Reading: Matthew 12:33–37

Key Bible Verse: You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. (Matthew 12:34)

Our words reveal what is in our heart. What kinds of words come from your mouth? That is an indication of what your heart is really like. You can’t solve your heart problem, however, just by cleaning up your speech. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives; then your speech will be cleansed at its source.

Bible Reading: Colossians 4:2–6

Key Bible Verse: Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. (Colossians 4:6)

Our words are important because we are representatives of Christ. When we tell others about Christ, we should always be gracious in what we say. No matter how much sense the message makes, we lose our effectiveness if we are not courteous. Just as we like to be respected, we must respect others if we want them to listen to what we have to say.

1. Is there anyone who would not want to be spoken to in a sweet and pleasant manner?

2. Why should we be careful with the words we use?

3. Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God?

4. How could evil men like us speak what is good and right?

5. What kinds of words come from your mouth?