4 May 2009
When Breezy and I were little, Momma had us do a little experiment. We took two cups and filled one with honey and the other with vinegar, and then set them outside. About an hour later we returned to the spot where we had left the two cups to see what had happened.
The container of honey was swarming with all kinds of bugs, but the vinegar was a different story. There the cup of vinegar sat, no bug wanting to get near it. All the bugs intentionally avoided it as much as they could because they knew that it was not pleasant.
Lessons can be learned from this little experiment. The honey is like the person whose words are covered with grace and gentleness. The vinegar is like the person who speaks unkind and unpleasant words.
Have you ever been around someone who is joyful and whose words are gracious? Did you want to spend time with this person, and looked forward to seeing them again? Those kind of people are uplifting and encouraging, their tongues speak pleasant words.
The person that is like the vinegar is not enjoyable company, their words are hurtful and unkind.
Do we wish to be as the honey or as the vinegar?
“The heart of the wise instructs his mouth
And adds persuasiveness to his lips.Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”- Proverbs 16:23-24
“A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.”- Proverbs 15:1
That last verse was quoted frequently at our house growing up. We saw how our harsh and unpleasant words caused us and others to get angry. We also saw when we replied with gentle words that the wrath faded away and was forgotten.
Our words can be harmful or uplifting. The tongue is a tool that can be used for good or for evil. We have spent time with people who intentionally think before they speak, and their words are edifying and their company is pleasant. They seek to glorify God with their words and do not let their tongues get out of hand.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.”- Psalm 141:3
Our tongues must be guarded so that we will not be like the vinegar which is harsh and avoided. This is my prayer, that the Lord would set a guard over my mouth, that the words that flow from my lips would be gracious, pleasant, motivated by love, and bring glory to God.
May we be like the honey!
Hi Emily Rose! That is a wonderful image to remind us to guard our mouths and speak kind words. Thanks! =:D
Blessings!
~Rachel~
Wonderful post! I need to start teaching these verses to my little ones – and I think I’ll do that little experiment as well!
A wonderful post and an excellent reminder.
I p.m. you! :)
You have a wonderful blog, and this is a great lesson that everyone should learn! I might try this experiment myself.
God Bless,
Megan
There’s a time and place for vinegar. In cooking too.
Thanks for sharing that thought-provoking illustration!
That is an excellent illustration!
May we always leave those we come in contact with happier because of meeting us.
I always need to be reminded of this. I need to get into the habit of thinking before I speak, and only speaking kind, and edifying words. Thank you for sharing!
Have a very bright, very cheerful day!
Miss Eyebright
Beautiful thoughts, Miss Emily! ;)
Thank you for the wonderful illustration.
Love,
Miss Jen
Great post! I know that I need to be reminded that all my words should be like honey.
Sarah.
Miss Emily Rose,
I somehow stumbled across your blog. I must say that I was impressed. You are wise beyond your years. Folks can say what they want about homeschoolers. But as a “retired” homeschool mom of 2 young adults I can tell you that the proof is in the puddin’! You have more wisdom than most adults. Your mom has done a great job raising you up in the way you should go…..cudos on attending the tea party and being involved in things that really matter.
Tammy