A KIND WORD

WORD OF WISDOM

WORKS - Works are "good" only when, (1) they spring from the principle of love to God. The moral character of an act is determined by the moral principle that prompts it. Faith and love in the heart are the essential elements of all true obedience. Hence good works only spring from a believing heart, can only be wrought by one reconciled to God (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:18,22).

(2.) Good works have the glory of God as their object; and (3) they have the revealed will of God as their only rule (Deuteronomy 12:32; Revelation 22:18, 19).

Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer's heart (John 14:15, 23; Galatians 5:6). They are the fruits of the Spirit (Titus 2:10-12), and thus spring from grace, which they illustrate and strengthen in the heart.

SOURCE: Easton's Bible Dictionary


Proverbs 12:25
Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.

Words of comfort, or a cheerful mind which is declared by his words, rejoices a man, as a covetous mind kills him.

Care, fear, and sorrow, upon the spirits, deprive men of vigour in what is to be done, or courage in what is to be borne. It makes them stoop, prostrates and sinks them. Those that are thus oppressed can neither do the duty nor take the comfort of any relation, condition, or conversation. Those therefore that are inclined to it should watch and pray. A good word from God, applied by faith, makes the heart glad.

Evil men vainly flatter themselves that their ways are not wrong. A scorner cannot bear to reflect seriously within his own heart. A gloomy, impatient, unthankful spirit, springing from pride and undue attachment to worldly objects, renders a man uneasy to himself and others.

A heart full of kindness is like a lamp full of precious oi, for the oil of mery enlightens the erring sinner with a good example and with words and works of comfort it anoints and heals those whose hearts are wounded or grieved or perplexed. And it is a fire and a light for those who dwell in the virtues, in the fire of charity; and neither jealousy nor envy can perturb it.

The good word of God, particularly the gospel, is designed to make the hearts glad that are weary and heavy-laden.

Proverbs 16:1
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.

He derides the presumption of man, who dares to attribute anything to himself, as to prepare his heart or such like, seeing that he is not able to speak a word unless God gives it to him. Men can neither think nor speak wisely and well without Divine assistance. The renewing grace of God alone prepares the heart for every good work. This teaches us that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think or speak any thing wise and good. Roll the burden of thy care upon God, and leave it with him, by faith and dependence on him.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

The word of God cures the diseases that weaken our souls. The pleasant words must be those which the heart of the wise teaches, and adds learning to, words of seasonable advice, instruction, and comfort, words taken from God's word. These words, to those that know how to relish them, are pleasant. They are like the honey-comb, sweet to the soul, which tastes in them that the Lord is gracious; nothing more grateful and agreeable to the new man than the word of God, and those words which are borrowed from it. They are wholesome. Many things are pleasant that are not profitable, but these pleasant words are health to the bones, to the inward man, as well as sweet to the soul. They make the bones, which sin has broken and put out of joint, to rejoice. The bones are the strength of the body; and the good word of God is a means of spiritual strength, curing the diseases that weaken us.

So where true Wisdom is deep in a heart, it will come flashing up into sunshine, and will quicken the seeds of all good as it flows through the deeds. By filling our hearts, through communion with God, with His own will, we shall be able to instruct many, and lead them to the light which has shone on us.
There are many kinds of pleasant words, some of which are not like ‘honey,’ but like poison hid in jam. Insincere compliments, flatteries when rebukes would be fitting, and all the brood of civil conventionalities, are not the words meant here. Truly pleasant ones are those which come from true Wisdom, and may often have a surface of bitterness like the prophet’s roll, but have a core of sweetness. It is a great thing to be able to speak necessary and unwelcome truths with lips into which grace is poured. A spoonful of honey catches more flies than a bowl of vinegar.

There is not only life at the end and it is all true comfort.

God's Blessings to each of you,
LJG/rECj