“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and HEALTH TO THE BONES.” (Proverbs 16:24) This Proverb emphasizes the importance of HEALTHFUL COMMUNICATION that meets the listener’s needs. Pleasant words can be kind, gracious, cheerful, and delightful to hear, and can offer encouragement, comfort, strength, delight, and desirability. The quote suggests that gracious words can offer COMFORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, and STRENGTH, and can UPLIFT AND NOURISH THE SOUL, and RESTORE HEALTH TO THE BODY.
King Saul’s son Jonathan, when he was weary from the battle, ATE SOME HONEY and HIS EYES BECAME BRIGHTENED, meaning the renewal of strength was gained. “Jonathan…stretched out the end of the rod that was in his hand and dipped it in a honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth; and HIS COUNTENANCE BRIGHTENED.” (1 Samuel 14:27)
JUST WHAT CAN HONEY DO?
- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS: Honey contains antioxidants, which can protect the body from inflammation. Inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. One study showed that antioxidants in buckwheat honey were detectable in blood plasma, showing that EATING HONEY COULD ENHANCE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY IN THE BODY.
- COUGH RELIEF FOR CHILDREN: In one study, 2 teaspoons of honey relieved children’s nighttime cough and allowed them to sleep.
- MINERALS AND COMPOUNDS: Honey has about 31 different minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. It also has several important amino acids (the building blocks of protein).
- WOUND AND BURN HEALING: For many years, honey has been used to treat burns and wounds. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may ease burns and improve wound healing.
- CHOLESTEROL: Research has indicated that honey may help reduce cholesterol. In one study, levels of total cholesterol, LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides went down in people who had 70 grams of honey (about 2.5 ounces) each day for 4 weeks. Their HDL (or “good”) cholesterol also increased.
“May THE GLORY OF THE LORD endure forever; MAY THE LORD REJOICE IN HIS WORKS… I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. MAY MY MEDITATION BE PLEASING TO HIM, FOR I REJOICE IN THE LORD.” (Psalms 104:31, 33-34) “…great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 32:19) THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF WHAT GOD’S PERFECT PURPOSE DOES FOR US!
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham