Proverbs 16:21, 24 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and pleasant words promote instruction.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

There’s more than one way to say almost anything. Our choice of words, our turns of phrase, have a huge impact on how our words are received. Some people even seem to have a knack for offensive speech! Words must be received before they will enlighten, so this is a major issue for all who would communicate the truth of God. However, there is a big risk of diluting and sweetening our words to the point that the original truth is lost. I’ll never forget the sermon I heard years ago that could have been condensed to, “Jesus is good, and He wants to be your friend.” That is true, but Jesus must be our Lord before He is our friend, and failing to make that clear isn’t going to lead anyone to repentance and salvation. That said, it is still true that even strong words can be expressed in ways that are either more or less likely to be received. One measure of wisdom is how well we express what we have to say in words that are easy to swallow. When love calls for a scalpel, it must not be contaminated by pride, anger, or any such thing. Medicine is sometimes mixed with honey, and honey itself has curative properties!

This has at times been a major problem for me, and it continues to be a matter of great concern. Just recently I have wounded needlessly by how I have said things, and that benefits no one. I know that God speaks through me, but that does not remove my responsibility to speak carefully. Likewise, I must not think that everything I say is from the mouth of God! I am to expect God to speak through me and be grateful when He does so, but I must never take it for granted, and above all I must not excuse my words as being His. It may be His truth, but the love in which I speak must be mine as well as His. If my words are harsh (as opposed to strong), then the love will be undetectable. That has been my problem more times than I like to think about. I am not to draw back from speaking strong words, but I must do all I can to give them a “honey glaze,” so to speak.

Father, You know this problem in me better than I do. Help be be fully submitted to Your Spirit, because I know that Your choice of words is always perfect. Keep me from mouthing off on my own, because that will always get me into trouble! Help me speak Your truth in Your love, making both mine at the same time, so that Your words may accomplish that for which You send them, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!