by: Sandy Chery
Over the past couple of months, I have been reflecting on a verse that has been especially meaningful to me: Proverbs 16:24. This verse says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” This verse speaks to the incredible impact that words of encouragement can have on our lives. I can recall many moments when a single word of encouragement—whether from God or a person—gave me the strength and hope I needed to persevere through challenging seasons.
The Power of Our Words
We often hear that words have power. Biblically speaking, this is absolutely true, though not in the sense that they have creative power like God’s words do. Instead, our words can either build up or tear down, heal or hurt, inspire or discourage. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This means that the words we speak every day are either planting seeds of death or life—and we will ultimately reap the fruit of the words we choose to speak.
Given the state of our world today, there’s a desperate need for encouragement. Whether it’s the challenges we face globally or the personal battles within our own lives, encouragement serves as a beacon of light, reminding us that there is hope even in the darkest of times.
Understanding Proverbs 16:24
Proverbs 16:24 compares gracious words to a honeycomb, describing them as “sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” But what exactly does this mean?
The word “gracious” here is a Hebrew term that means “kind, delightful, pleasant, or beautiful.” Such words are compared to honey—an incredibly sweet substance that is also known for its health benefits. If you’ve ever looked up the benefits of honey, you’ll know it supports gut health, helps prevent heart disease, heals burns and wounds, regulates blood sugar levels, and more.
The comparison of gracious words to honeycomb suggests that they are not only sweet and satisfying to our souls but also nourishing and healing to our bodies. Studies have shown that speaking positive words has tangible effects on a person’s physical well-being. Just as honey is known for its health benefits, speaking kind and gracious words can uplift someone’s spirit, provide comfort, and promote overall well-being. Proverbs 16:24 solidifies the positive impact that our words can have on others.
Conversely, negative words—those that don’t bring life—have detrimental effects. Constant criticism and negativity can lead to stress, anxiety, and other health issues. The Bible warns us about the destructive power of the tongue in James 3:6, where it is described as “a fire, a world of unrighteousness,” and cautions us that our words can cause significant harm, much like a small spark that sets a forest ablaze.
The Biblical Call to Encourage
Encouragement, then, is not just needed but necessary. It acts as a direct counterforce to the damage that destructive words can cause. Speaking “gracious words” is akin to speaking words of encouragement, which means giving support, confidence, or hope to someone else.
In the New Testament, encouragement is often referred to as “exhortation,” a Greek term meaning “to call to one’s side, to instruct, comfort, console, and strengthen.” This term is closely related to the word used to describe the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter, advocate, and helper, as described in John 14:26.
The Bible frequently instructs us to encourage one another. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul writes, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” This verse shows that encouragement is a collective responsibility within the body of Christ. We are to actively seek ways to uplift one another, helping our fellow believers grow in faith and navigate life’s seasons.
For some, giving encouragement or exhorting others is a spiritual gift. Romans 12:6-8 discusses these gifts, saying, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us… if it is to encourage, then give encouragement…” Some people are especially graced by God to encourage others for the sake of the gospel and spiritual growth.
Barnabas: A Model of Encouragement
A wonderful example of someone with the gift of encouragement is Barnabas, known as the “son of encouragement” in Acts 4:36. Barnabas supported Paul when others were skeptical of his conversion (Acts 9:26-27) and encouraged early Christians in Antioch to remain faithful to the Lord (Acts 11:22-24). Barnabas’ life shows us that encouragement sometimes involves taking risks, standing by others in difficult times, and helping them grow in their faith.
Not only is encouragement a command for believers and a spiritual gift for some, but God Himself is described as the “God of encouragement.” Romans 15:5-6 says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God is the source of all comfort and encouragement, and when we encourage others, we are imitating Him and participating in His work of building up His people.
Practical Ways to Encourage One Another
So, how can we practically encourage one another?
- Through Prayer: We are called to encourage through prayer. James 5:16 reminds us, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
- Through Our Words: We can encourage through our everyday speech. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
- Through Scripture: We are called to encourage using the Word of God. Psalm 19:7-11 describes God’s Word as “sweeter than honey,” much like the “gracious words” referred to in Proverbs 16:24. Romans 15:4 also says that it is through “the encouragement of the Scriptures” that we have hope.
Conclusion
Ultimately, we are called to encourage one another through the living Word of God, speaking life-giving words of hope and comfort in every season. So today, take a moment to encourage someone and remind them of God’s promises and the hope found in Christ. These gracious words will heal and bring life to both the soul and body.
Let’s continue to build each other up, sharing the light of encouragement in a world that desperately needs it.
