"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." — Proverbs 16:24

Words are powerful. They can wound or heal, tear down or build up, discourage or bring joy. Proverbs reminds us that kind words are like honey—sweet and nourishing to those who receive them.

Recently, I’ve had the chance to watch a young couple step into the fascinating world of beekeeping, and it struck me how much we can learn about faith, perseverance, and the power of words from the life of bees and their hives.

Lessons from the Beehive

My husband and I are friends with a young couple who purchased land in the little town of LaRue, Texas. Not long after, he decided to keep bees.

In the beginning, he had to drive out every weekend (a two-hour trip each way) to check the hives and make sure the bees had plenty of sugar water. Without that care, they would die. Watching his persistence made me think: our faith also requires steady tending. Neglect it, and it weakens. Nourish it, and it flourishes.

Beekeeping Equipment = The Bible

Stephen Repasky, president of the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association, notes that beginners need essential equipment: a beekeeper’s suit, gloves, and tools. For us as Christians, our essential equipment is God’s Word. Before we can “step into service,” we must know God’s truth and commands. Scripture equips us to live faithfully and fruitfully.

Protective Clothing = The Armor of God

Just as beekeepers wear suits to protect themselves from stings, we must “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11). The shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit guard us against the fiery darts of the enemy.

Two by Two

Repasky recommends starting with two hives. That made me think of Mark 6:7: “Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.” Fellowship strengthens us. God never meant for us to walk alone—we grow stronger together.

Facing the Morning Sun

The best hive placement? Facing east or south, so bees soak in the morning sun. Psalm 30:5 says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” What a beautiful reminder that the Son (Jesus) is our true light. Each new day is an invitation to receive His joy.

Practice, Patience, and Perseverance

Repasky also warns of a high failure rate—especially in the early years. Beekeeping takes patience and dedication. Isn’t that true of faith? We stumble, but we get back up. Spiritual maturity comes slowly, through prayer, practice, and perseverance.

The Marvel of the Honeycomb

The honeycomb is one of God’s most remarkable designs. Perfectly structured hexagons hold precious honey, nature’s liquid gold. Ancient Greeks called honey “the nectar of the gods” because of its healing qualities.

Modern science agrees. Honey soothes sore throats, heals wounds, and reduces allergy symptoms. It is rich in antioxidants and carries antibacterial properties.

When Proverbs 16:24 compares kind words to honeycomb, it’s more than a poetic image. Just as honey strengthens the body, pleasant words strengthen the soul.

The Power of Words

We all know words can hurt. Many of us can recall harsh things spoken to us decades ago that still echo in our hearts. At the same time, words of encouragement, love, and truth can bring joy and renewal that lasts a lifetime.

Today, words are more visible—and more dangerous—than ever. Online platforms make it easy to say things we’d never dare to speak face to face. Anonymity emboldens cruelty. It takes almost no courage to click “send” on a mean comment.

But kindness takes courage. Gentleness takes strength. Choosing to speak life when the world shouts insults is a radical act of faith.

Sweetness to the Soul

The proverb tells us kind words are sweet to the soul and healing to the body. That’s not just spiritual poetry; it’s reality.

Negative words make us anxious, discouraged, even physically ill. Positive words lift us up, renew our energy, and give us courage.

I can remember specific things spoken to me as a child—both good and bad—that still shape me today. Words linger. That’s why it’s vital we speak truth, kindness, and encouragement into others.

Choose to Speak Life

We are called to speak life. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

Each day, we have a choice: to make someone feel small or to make them feel loved. To sow bitterness or to plant hope. To sting like a bee or to nourish like honey.

Let’s choose life-giving words. With friends. With strangers. And especially with family—the ones who often bear the brunt of our frustrations.

Practical Ways to Speak Sweetness

Be Kind: Offer a smile, a gentle word, a small encouragement.
Be Generous: Compliment freely, thank often, and celebrate others’ successes.
Be Gracious: Assume the best, extend forgiveness, and let go of small offenses.
Be Loving: Say “I love you” often and back it up with action.
Be Quiet: Sometimes silence is kinder than a careless word.
Be Patient: Take a breath before responding in frustration.
Be Aware: Notice who might need a kind word today—and give it.

Closing Reflection

Just as bees labor tirelessly to produce honey, may we labor to produce words that bless, heal, and build up. Kindness may seem small, but it has eternal weight.

So let us remember Proverbs 16:24:
"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

When we speak life, we reflect the sweetness of Christ Himself, the One who is our truest source of healing and hope.