Gracious Words

For Wednesday, April 5, 2006
Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Consider the sweet effect of gracious words.

Complement: This is a word we often deny we want, but we certainly do enjoy when we receive it. Isn’t it nice to receive an honest complement, especially to get one totally unlooked for? “You really look nice today.” “You made a great contribution.” “That is a great job you did.”

Encouragement: “You can do it; I believe in you.” “You’re going to be okay.” “That’s the way to try.” Such words give us the strength to go on.

Comfort: How good it feels to hear a sympathetic voice when we are hurting. “I’m here for you.” “I’m so sorry.” “I’m praying for you.”

Helpful: “Can you use a hand with that?” “Let’s think through this together.” We don't feel alone. Some is there with us and for us.

Good humored: Sometimes the best thing we can hear when we are down or worried or angry is a good humored remark. There is nothing like a little laugh to perk us up again and help us to see that the end of the world has not come.

Positive: In most bad events and discouraging news, there is something positive. How heartening when someone helps us to see it.

Attentive: “How are you doing?” spoken honestly, is a meaningful question. “You look like you… could use a friend... could use some cheering up... are new here.” “You seem to have reservations about what’s going on.” It’s nice to have someone take notice when we are feeling too reserved to speak up.

Listening: “Tell me what you want to say; I’m listening.” “Help me understand what you are going through.” “Do you mean…?” It is satisfying to talk with someone who is foremost trying to hear what we are saying.

Thanking: “Thank you.” “Thanks for helping me.” “Thanks for your hard work.” “Thanks for listening.” How many times have our temper or depression been wiped away by the simple remark of thanks? I’ve been resentful, angry with persons who then come up to me and give a heartfelt thanks; all of a sudden, I switch to thinking how nice they are.

Gracious words are like honeycomb, sweet and healthful to the soul and body. They have tremendous power to change the course of a person’s life for the good, to rescue people from despair, and to bring great blessing. You don’t have to be rich or powerful; you don’t have to have degrees or be eloquent; just be gracious and you will significantly touch the lives of all kinds of people.