Sweet to the soul Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” NLT

Devotional:

There is a quiet but powerful truth woven into this simple proverb: words can heal.

In a world where harshness often drowns out kindness, God reminds us that kind words; words spoken with grace, gentleness, and love—have deep, restorative power. Like honey from the comb, they are not just sweet; they are nourishing. They go beyond the ears and sink into the soul, lifting spirits, calming fears, and even strengthening the weary body.

Think about the last time someone spoke life into you—maybe a text from a friend, a compliment you didn’t expect, or a prayer whispered on your behalf. Those words didn’t just feel good—they did good. They reached places inside of you that needed comfort or confidence. 

Our words hold power (Proverbs 18:21). If we speak love, kindness, and life over one another and ourselves, we will flourish like a garden in full bloom, nourished by grace and rooted in hope. But if we speak hate, harshness, and death, we will wither like grass scorched by the sun, cut off from the water and far from the life God intends for us. 

Let our words reflect the heart of Christ, building up and not tearing down (Ephesians 4:29), so that we may walk in the life God has called us to.

Personal Reflection:

• What kind of words have I been speaking to myself lately—are they life-giving or draining?

• What can I do to make my speech more intentional, kind, and spirit-filled?

• Recall a time when someone’s kind words brought healing or encouragement.  How did it affect me emotionally, physically, or spiritually?

• What can i say to someone that would be “sweet to the soul and health for the body”?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the power of words.Thank You for speaking life over me through Your Word. Words of love, grace, forgiveness, and hope. Your voice is like honey to my soul, sweet and healing, steady and sure.

Lord, I confess that I don’t always use my words wisely. Sometimes I speak carelessly, or let frustration shape my tone. Please forgive me for the times I have hurt others with my speech through sharpness, silence, or thoughtless words.

I ask You today to soften my heart and season my speech. Help me to speak words that build, not break. To encourage, not criticize. To bring peace, not pressure.

Holy Spirit, guide my tongue and teach me to be intentional with my words. Let kindness flow from me, not as a performance, but from a heart shaped by Your love. Make me a vessel of Your grace to the people around me.

Show me someone today who needs a kind word. Someone who needs to know they are seen, loved, and not forgotten. And give me the courage to speak that truth in love. Let my words be like honey: sweet to the soul and healing for the body.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.