The Power of Pleasant Words “Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.” (Proverbs 16:24)

First…. God’s Word is Pleasant & Powerful “The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:9b-10) Jesus' words to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus made their hearts burn within them  (Lk. 24:13-32). “And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?“ (32). Philip's inspired words led to the Eunuch's going on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:35-39) Paul's words to his weary shipmates were sweet and healthy to them (Acts 27:33-36). “Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” (34). All agree on the good effects of the words of God. What about pleasant words from mere men?

What are Pleasant Words? Caution: Some seemingly pleasant words appeal to the worst sides of a person, such as pride and lust! (Proverbs 26:28), “A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” A flattering mouth may lift us up to our own demise! (Proverbs 5:3-4), “For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; 4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two- edged sword.” Though honey drips, her words are destructive! In contrast, let us note pleasant words that do a person good.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” Pure Words Proverbs 15:26 (Proverbs 15:26), “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant.” (James 3:17), “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” Pure - 2a) pure from carnality, chaste, modest; 2b) pure from every fault, immaculate; 2c) clean There is no place in the Christian’s vocabulary for words that are corrupt – profanity, innuendo, etc. This is characteristic of our culture. But, we know that pure words are what edify one another…

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” Pure Words Proverbs 15:26 Wise Words Proverbs 12:18 (Proverbs 12:18), “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.” Cutting words rightly contrasted as foolish rather than wise! Sometimes, foolish people will say hurtful things, even if unintended. However, the wise measure their words to ensure that they soothe, edify and help! Comfort, Support, Exhortation,… a soothing and calming influence

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” Pure Words Proverbs 15:26 Wise Words Proverbs 12:18 Gracious Words Ecclesiastes 10:12 (Ecclesiastes 10:12), “The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.” Gracious - subjectively (kindness, favor) or objectively (beauty): pleasant, precious, [well-] favored. (Adam Clarke, commentary on this text – “Every thing that proceeds from him is decent and orderly, creditable to himself, and acceptable to those who hear him.”)

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” Pure Words Proverbs 15:26 Wise Words Proverbs 12:18 Gracious Words Ecclesiastes 10:12 Good Tidings Proverbs 15:30 (Proverbs. 15:30), (ASV) “The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart; and good tidings make the bones fat.” (NKJV), “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy.” Good news is always encouraging to the righteous, whether it concerns himself or another. (1 Corinthians 12:24-26), “But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” Pure Words Proverbs 15:26 Wise Words Proverbs 12:18 Gracious Words Ecclesiastes 10:12 Good Tidings Proverbs 15:30 Hearty Counsel Proverbs 27:9 (Proverbs 27:9), “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.” Consider the pleasant nature of perfume and ointment In the same way, good advice from a friend is pleasant to hear (Note: Choose your friends wisely, that they not lead you astray!) (1 Kings 12:12-14), “So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had directed, saying, "Come back to me the third day." 13 Then the king answered the people roughly, and rejected the advice which the elders had given him; 14 and he spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scourges!"

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” Pure Words Proverbs 15:26 Wise Words Proverbs 12:18 Gracious Words Ecclesiastes 10:12 Good Tidings Proverbs 15:30 Hearty Counsel Proverbs 27:9 Faithful Words Proverbs 13:17 (Proverbs 13:17), “A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health.” One who is trustworthy relating a message or completing a task In contrast, so much trouble can come when words are distorted or lies are told.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb” Pure Words Proverbs 15:26 Wise Words Proverbs 12:18 Gracious Words Ecclesiastes 10:12 Good Tidings Proverbs 15:30 Hearty Counsel Proverbs 27:9 Faithful Words Proverbs 13:17 Words that seek peace 1 Peter 3:11 Proverbs 12:20 (1 Peter 3:10-11), “For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.’” (Proverbs 12:20), “Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.” Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9).

Conclusion (Ephesians 4:29) The Bible has much to say about the power of words. Pleasant words have a power all their own. Are such words a neglected part of your vocabulary? (Ephesians 4:29) (Ephesians 4:29), “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”