"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

In February 2020, before the world transformed before our eyes, I committed to writing every day and sharing those words on social media. My goal was to encourage those who’d read my writing, offering hope, brightening days and sometimes challenging perspectives.

Today, I use this writing practice as a form of meditation, an intentional way to be still and hear from God before sharing His love with others. Throughout the process, I’ve grown to trust that my words will reach whoever needs them, wherever they are in their lives and wherever they are in this world. Although I’ll never know the full impact of this practice, I do know the words I've shared have helped some navigate hard times and experience a sense of peace.

Still, there are certainly times when I don't feel like my words are enough — when I wish I could do more to help others or hurry along the healing.

I work as a nurse, and many times, in traumatic or life-altering circumstances, all I can do is offer a word of encouragement or simply show up and be present with those going through healthcare crises.

But when those moments arise, instead of becoming frustrated with my small offering, I remind myself of Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” To me, this scripture is a constant reminder of the power of words, which can invite God to transform us and our situations and contribute to our physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health.

As we celebrate World Health Day, I hope this scripture now becomes a reminder for you as well. Know that right where you are, you can use your words to encourage, speak truth, express gratitude, ask intentional questions and offer prayer. You can make an impact on those you know and love as well as the countless others who are on this journey of life alongside you.

Whether you write a note to a friend or share a kind word with a stranger, your God-honoring words can contribute to the holistic health of humanity.

If you’re concerned about what words to say, ask God to meet you in your desire to share gracious words. Then lean in and listen. What is it that you need to hear right now? Which words is your soul longing for? When you find the words you need to hear, consider that maybe someone else needs them too.

Lord, thank You for our ability to share words that encourage others and point them to You and the healing You want to bring to our souls, minds and bodies. May we have conversations that are full of grace, that build others up, and that are pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

Please join us in partnering with moms around the world who want to see their children grow to be healthy, strong followers of Jesus. Through the work of Compassion International, children are being released from poverty — in Jesus’ name and always through the local church. Would you join us in sponsoring a child today? When you become a sponsor, Compassion will send you a copy of our Keep Holding On study as our thanks for investing in the life of a child.

ENGAGE

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (NIV).

Proverbs 12:25, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (ESV).

Is there someone in your life who has taken the time to share gracious words with you? How did their words contribute to your health or uplift you, and what can you do to acknowledge the impact they’ve had in your life?

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

© 2024 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Compassion for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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