Kind words are like honey; they are easy to accept and good for your health. – Proverbs 16:24
Bees work with purpose. They select nectar deliberately, transform it into honey, and nourish their hive. We can work with the same intention in our speech and thoughts.
Our Thoughts Shape Our Words
Scripture calls us to intentionality: “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5.) Like bees choosing which flowers to visit, we can choose which thoughts to nurture.
When bees return to their hive, nectar becomes honey through transformation. Similarly, when we align our thoughts with Christ, we create something nourishing—encouragement, strength, and kindness for ourselves and others.
This principle challenged me when I transitioned from working with elementary to middle school students. Elementary students had been easy to connect with—they hugged me, followed me around, and made me feel appreciated. Middle school felt like foreign territory. I needed to discover how to make a sweet impression, like honey does naturally.
Creating Connection Through Intention
To build relationships with middle school students, I began taking genuine interest in their lives. I asked questions about their world. I offered sincere compliments and watched them brighten. I learned their language, including appropriate sarcasm, engaging them where they were comfortable.
The transformation surprised me. One day, a teacher commented on my effectiveness with students. Walking through hallways now, kids call my name—I feel like a school celebrity.
Finding Your Role
Every bee serves a purpose in the hive, contributing to the whole. We each possess unique strengths. When we try to imitate others, we lose what makes us valuable. God designed us with specific gifts, and embracing them allows us to thrive.
Honey provides sweetness, nourishment, and healing. Our words can do the same—offering encouragement, comfort, and strength. Amazingly, honey lasts years without spoiling. Our kind words can have equally lasting impact, continuing to nourish long after we speak them.
Speak Life
We can choose our thoughts deliberately. When our thoughts become sweet as honey, we speak words of life. Choose to speak with kindness, encouragement, and strength.
Do you have some thoughts that are keeping you down? What verses apply to those thoughts? How can you build yourself up in kindness? What is something kind or encouraging that someone said to you that really stuck with you?
Speak life.
Sources and References:
The Bible (Online Source):
The Holy Bible, Easy-to-Read Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2016%3A24&version=ERV.
The Bible (Online Source):
The Holy Bible, New International Version. Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%2010%3A5&version=NIV.
National Honey Board:
National Honey Board. “All About Honey.” Honey.com, https://www.honey.com.
Stephen Covey’s Book:
Covey, Stephen R. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. Free Press, 1989.