Hello friends, it's Pastor Joe here from the Helping You Become podcast. I'm summarising today's episode on Prevailing Proverbs, focusing on the power of words from Proverbs chapters 16-18.
We started in Proverbs 16:24: "Pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body." I encouraged you to research honeycomb—its intricate hexagonal structure, strong and perfectly interlinked, a marvel of God's design through nature. Growing up on a New Zealand farm, I cherished fresh honeycomb on toast; it's rich, sweet, and has healing properties used in traditional and modern medicine. Pleasant words mirror this: structured, gracious, and healing. Decide to share them graciously to aid others' mental and physical well-being. Assisting others' well-being is a divine calling—lay down your life daily through kind, thoughtful speech, even in your job. No need for grand volunteering; start with purposeful pleasant words. Check our study "Please Get Involved" on livingsuccess.org for more.
In Proverbs 17:27-28, those with knowledge restrain their words and keep a cool spirit. Even a fool seems wise when silent! Restraining words elevates you to the wise category, recognised by God as knowledgeable—not insignificant, as His eyes see all. God urges us repeatedly: close your mouths, speak less, craft sentences thoughtfully. Think more, talk less.
Proverbs 18:4 describes a discreet, wise person's words as deep waters—fresh, pure, life-giving. Aspire to this: be observant, listen twice as much as you speak (two ears, one mouth!). Such words invigorate others; you're no pushover to life's marketplace—you rule in life through godly wisdom from Proverbs.
Verses 18:5 and 8 warn against favouring the wicked or talebearing—words like gossip are consumed like dainty morsels, leading to malfunctioning systems. We've seen this in debates over free speech, hate speech, and weaponised justice systems stretched by subjectivity over rule of law. Words with wrong agendas damage deeply. Manage your learning with Proverbs' wisdom to discern, hear God's voice over media noise, and handle ripple effects gracefully. We need God's wisdom daily—that's why this series is Prevailing Proverbs. One or two more episodes on words ahead.
Subscribe at livingsuccess.org for free resources. Do good this week: be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving as God forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). We're dedicated to helping you become all you can in Christ. God bless!
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