Words That Heal, Hearts That Shine (Proverbs 16:23-24)
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Proverbs 16:23-24
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.
24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
These verses this morning are a reminder of God’s economy. His Word makes it clear – it all starts with the heart.
“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” Jesus says in Luke 6:45.
We see that in verse 23:
“The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious
and adds persuasiveness to his lips.”
Now the picture here isn’t of deceit or manipulation. This is a picture of someone whose heart is wise, and because it is, their speech becomes more tame and their words more attractive. One translation of this verse says, “The heart of a wise person instructs his mouth; it adds learning to his speech.”
That right there has a much clearer connection to Luke 6:45. The heart instructs the mouth. What we say comes from who we are.
And when that heart overflows in wise, gracious words – what happens? Verse 24 shows us.
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
Words, like delicious and healthy food, cure and aid the inner being. Just like honey soothes a sore throat, gracious words heal and refresh our weary souls.
I like pairing these two verses together because it encourages me to bring my heart before the Lord – because only He can make my heart clean.
We don’t just need better words; we need new hearts.
And that’s exactly what Jesus offers us. When He renews our hearts, our words naturally start to follow – bringing life, sweetness, and healing to others.
And who doesn’t want to have gracious words that are sweet to every listener’s soul and healthy to their bodies? I want that. I don’t know who wouldn’t. And it all starts with the heart.
But in looking at the end to get to the beginning, I’ll ask you:
What words have been coming out of your mouth lately – and what do they say about your heart?
Where might God be inviting you to let Him heal your heart so that your words bring life and sweetness to others?
Now before we pray, let’s not forget no word is greater than The Word. The Word is and always will be “sweetness to the soul and health to the body,” and we ought to eat from it every single day. No meals skipped. I know some of you skip breakfast, maybe some of you skipped it today, but don’t skip the Word. It’s too good for your soul.
Let’s pray.
