Two special proverbs point out the value of GRACIOUS SPEECH, “The wise in heart will be called prudent, And SWEETNESS of the lips INCREASES LEARNING. The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips. PLEASANT WORDS are like a honeycomb, SWEETNESS to the soul and HEALTH to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:21-24)
This verse repeats a root word for “sweetness” (metheq: pleasantness) used in verse 21. In this context, these are also called “gracious words,” meaning they are not only truthful, but they are also spoken with tact and caution, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1) “Let your speech always be WITH GRACE, seasoned with salt, that YOU MAY KNOW how you OUGHT TO ANSWER each one.” (Colossians 4:6) The right message, delivered in the right way, is a GREAT BLESSING to others, “A man has JOY by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how GOOD IT IS! (Proverbs 15:23)
Such advice helps the spirit, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; My son, HOLD ON to good sense and the understanding of what is right. Don’t let them OUT OF YOUR SIGHT. They will be life for you. They will be like a gracious necklace around your neck.” (Proverbs 3:13, 21-22), and helps the body, not the least by GUIDING A PERSON AWAY from the consequences of sin, “The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment…There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, 19)
BE A PERSON OF GRACIOUS TRUTHFULNESS WITH A PLEASANT SPIRIT…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham