Kind words are like honey

In our land down under where sarcasm is de rigueur I am often left wondering if kind words are considered to be only for the soft and the foolish.   

The Bible says kind words bring sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24) They sure do to me. Some days I reckon all I hear is criticism, sarcasm or silence.  It feels as if a little more of me shrivels as a result. It is as if my soul and body ache with the pain. 

I recall some ten years ago after a close relative completed suicide that many people were especially kind to the spouse when they heard. They were generous in business dealings where they had previously been indifferent and hard nosed. They said kind words and were understanding when previously they had been otherwise.  At the time I struggled to understand why they could not do that all the time.  Is tragedy, I thought, the only invitation they have to speak words of kindness?

I long to hear kind words.  I want to speak kind words to others.  Sometimes I have to tell my inner critic to shut up so I can speak kind words to myself.   

If the Bible says kind words bring sweetness to the soul then perhaps it is possible we can entice a bitter soul to become less so.  If kind words bring health to the body, why not speak kind words then to others and to our self to bring health and vitality?

What does it cost us to say kind words?  Is it our cynicism and defensiveness the reason we withhold kindness and opt for sarcasm or silence?  Perhaps we are reluctant to be kind in case the other person is not kind in return.  Instead of practicing our wit and our banter why not practice kind phrases.  Instead of recognizing faults why not look for beauty and good things in a person. Instead of being silent why not be vulnerable and commend another; maybe speak kind words to a stranger.

Let us be honest, kind words do not cost us money.  Kind words are like honey. Why not spread a little sweetness and good health to another and make kind words de rigueur tomorrow.