October 26, 2017
SWEET TALK
Proverbs 16:21-33
Lori Lynch
Central Truth
God calls us to speak pleasant words as a blessing to others and to bring restoration.
Key Verse | Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
(Proverbs 16:24)
Proverbs 16:21-33
21
The wise of heart is called discerning,
and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
22
Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it,
but the instruction of fools is folly.
23
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
25
There is a way that seems right to a man,
but its end is the way to death.
1
16:25
Hebrew ways of death
26
A worker's appetite works for him;
his mouth urges him on.
27
A worthless man plots evil,
and his speech
2
16:27
Hebrew what is on his lips
is like a scorching fire.
28
A dishonest man spreads strife,
and a whisperer separates close friends.
29
A man of violence entices his neighbor
and leads him in a way that is not good.
30
Whoever winks his eyes plans
3
16:30
Hebrew to plan
dishonest things;
he who purses his lips brings evil to pass.
31
Gray hair is a crown of glory;
it is gained in a righteous life.
32
Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty,
and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.
33
The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the LORD.
Dive Deeper | Proverbs 16:21-33
I am a visual person, and I often have clear, detailed images in my mind related to what I’m reading. When I read Proverbs 16:24, I visualize a big jar of honey literally seeping into my bones and bringing healing and restoration
While my imagery may not be exactly what King Solomon was trying to communicate, the Bible often uses honey as a picture of God’s blessings. God brought the Israelites to the promised land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8). Honey was a gift from God!
Here, the honeycomb is likened to gracious words and their ability to bring sweetness and health to others. Gracious words are pleasant, kind, and compassionate. They are thoughtful, and they are pure (Proverbs 15:26). Too often, my words are exactly the opposite and leave me regretting harmful things I said in a weak moment.
A spoonful of honey does not slide off of a spoon. Instead, it clings and is difficult to clean. Words are also sticky. When a friend pays me a compliment or says something hurtful, it sticks with me whether it’s true or not. Words are powerful—they have the potential to bring harm, but the good news is that they can also bring restoration. Gracious words stick to the soul and can bring healing to hurts, insecurities, and self-doubts.
Matthew 12:34 states that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” When I close myself off to God, I am quicker to judge, complain, criticize, and I do not speak lovingly. I am more concerned about myself than those around me. However, when I spend time with God and grow in my relationship with Him, I encourage, affirm, and love others with my words.
We need to continually pursue God and examine our hearts. This allows us to experience the gift and blessing God gives through gracious words.
Discussion Questions
1. How would a nonbeliever describe your relationship with God based solely on your speech? Does your speech testify to your faith or contradict your faith?
2. When was the last time your words brought comfort and encouragement to your spouse, coworker, or friend? Who can you uplift today with gracious words?
3. Are you spending time in God’s Word daily and allowing Him to transform your life from the inside out?