The Transformational Power of Pleasant Words

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bone."  Proverbs 16:42

I am fascinated by the Wisdom Literature of Old Testament documents.  The Proverbs in particular affirm the unitary nature of persons.  That is, the Proverbs speak of persons as body/soul beings, and does not recognize the western dualism of persons as body and soul.  It is also very important that in the ancient Near Eastern view of the Old Testament that words are carriers of extraordinary power.

Words not only impact the speaking entity with their extraordinary power, but they can have the amazing capacity to unleash healing approval and acceptance.  We inhabit a cosmology of oral and written speech.  The reflecting brain can be highly motivated by speech that is inspirational. The word inspire is derived from the word breath.  Therefore to inspire is to endow with breath.  It is very important to recognize the undeniable correlation between words and breath.

We hurl words into the cosmos by means of breath, and breath is life for us.  Without breath there is no life.  According the Proverbs, pleasant words refer to words that are suitable or beautiful in content, and both the speaking person and the one who hears such pleasant words are blessed  thereby.  Pleasant words are likened to a honeycomb filled with natural goodness.  Please do not allow the word picture of the honeycomb to be lost.

The writer does not state that pleasant words are like a honeycomb, he states that they are a honeycomb.  The writer wants to communicate the redemptive power of suitable words.  The life of the speaking person and the life of the one receiving the suitable words are transformed by the dynamic content of the metaphysical word-event.  To uplift another person bound by compelling darkness is a remarkable power.  The word of judgement is halted by the suitable word.  How we need those who are well-versed in speaking  pleasant words.

Pleasant words are prescriptive.  That is, as a man thinks in his heart so is he, therefore the one who is careful to speak pleasant words will reap a harvest of suitable responses to himself.  How attractive are those who speak with love.  When those who speak words of love in our midst we note their uplifting power. We grow when such persons speak to us.  We are released from the fear of daring to believe that we can be worthy of such words.

The hungry soul that has not had the honeycomb of pleasant words in their life are poised to reject them when spoken.  Such a soul has only heard words baited with cruel intent, or manipulative words designed to confuse and disarm.  How different are pleasant words!  The soul who hears them is caused to grow and is not afraid to share their new found source of strength.

God has come to us with pleasant words in the person of the Iesous.  "Whosoever will may come"  are the words of Grace.  Words can  be used to control or to free.  God has come to us with words of freedom.  We call his words the 'Word.'  We call his words the Word because they unleash the power of his redemptive message to us.  His Word is also the living Word.  The Word or Logos was made flesh and dwelt among us.  He, that is, the Iesous was full of Grace and Truth.

You may change your life today by appropriating the honeycomb of the Word of God.  This is a powerful message or picture of Mind-Body Medicine.  Our lives are transformed as we allow the mind to mediate upon the suitable words of  the biblical materials.

Are you searching for a new life, but you don't know where to start?  Let your search begin by coming to God in confession that you want a new life.  Tell Him where you are, and how you feel.  He will set you free. Read His word.

Blessings to you.

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