Since our words plant ideas in the minds of others, the fruit of our words can have incredible results, either good or disastrous. The proverb alludes to some possible positive results from the use of our words. Pleasant words are like honeycomb. They are sweet and satisfying to the hearer. But given the power of words, we must be careful not to use them to manipulate people. Instead, we should offer words genuinely and for the benefit of others.
Pleasant words are like honeycomb, health to the bones and sweetness to the soul.
—Solomon, Wisdom Teacher
Most people will do anything for someone who encourages their dreams, allays their fears, or bolsters their failures. We can be one of these admired people who upholds others by mere words. Here are some suggestions.
Encourage their dreams. Many people do not have a person who believes in them and their dreams. A person who is unable to be her best, beaten down by the never-ending voices, “You’ll never amount to anything,” needs inspiring words. Your supportive words may bring hope, warmth, and a glow to an otherwise bleak outlook. Because of you and your words, she will dream again.
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Bozena Zawisz
Author, Liberating Inner Eve
Allay their fears. We tell people not to be afraid and expect that to do the trick. But when someone hears something like, “There’s no reason to be afraid,” the words sound empty. Conversely, people who actually attempt to alleviate the fear are more helpful. These encouraging people use their words powerfully; they present evidence, tell stories, and verbalize their support. Their words imbue the fearful person with courage; their words ring true.
Bolster their failures. We all make mistakes or fail, but some people find it more debilitating than others. We could manipulatively tell them that they are not responsible for their mistakes, or we could encourage them. If we help others bravely face their collapse (by call, card, prayer, etc.), we may become to them like the stimulating breath of spring. Let us be the voice of hope to those who have lost there confidence, and there may be no limit to their heights or their gratitude.
Every person has an aura about him that affects the people around him, and this is never more obvious than when one opens his mouth. With words, he can spread strife like a scorching fire or kindness like a soothing balm. Words can, in a moment, focus all our latent disgust or release all our hidden hope. Words can be bitter like vinegar or sweet like honeycomb. May our words always be sweet—kind and genuine.
Questions for thought:
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
- Are your words most often bitter or sweet? What could you do to make your words less bitter and more sweet?
- Do our words truly have a powerful effect on people? Why or why not?
- What do you think will happen when you provide uplifting words to those discouraged about their dreams, gripped by their fears, or distraught over their failures?
This post is from the book, “The Path of Wisdom,” entry 20. With this inspirational and motivational self-help book, you will get more out of life… not in just one aspect of your life but in all areas. “The Path of Wisdom” consists of 100 entries of roughly 400 to 450 words per entry, great for easy reading, personal reflection, or group study. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share using the “share” buttons below.
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