Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24 ESV)
Sweet
When I was young, the word was, “cool.” At other times the word might be, “groovy,” “fab,” “bad,” “gnarly,” “awesome,” “neato,” “mint,” or “Poppin’.” But lately, the word is, “sweet!”
Honeycomb, in olden days, was nutritious, somewhat available, versatile, and tasty.
And in a way, words can be all of those things, as well as their opposites.
But this verse seems to focus most clearly on the tastiness of honey.
Honey is sweet.
Our words can be sweet, too.
Two particular phrases come to mind. First, “I forgive you” is a sweet phrase. Folk do not hear it often. When we hear that phrase, directed at us, it is sweet.
But also, “You are forgiven” is a sweet phrase. Whether forgiven by a friend, a spouse, or the public, it is sweet to know forgiveness. And more-so when we hear God’s sweet words of forgiveness.
It is sweet because it points us to the only source of forgiveness, Jesus. It is sweet because it calms our embattled hearts. It is sweet because it is a gift. It is sweet because it is so very good for us.
Forgiveness is sweet.