Proverbs 16:24 - Homiletics

Pleasant words

I. PLEASANT WORDS ARE GOOD IN SOCIAL INTERCOURSE . They are said to cost little, while they are worth much. But often they are not to be had without trouble.

1 . Sympathy. We must put ourselves to the trouble of entering into our brother's feelings if we would speak with real kindness to him.

2 . Self-suppression. Angry words may be the first to rise to our lips; bitter words of scorn or melancholy words springing from the gloom of our own minds may come more readily than the pleasant words that are due to our neighbours.

3 . Thought. Words of honey soon cloy if no satisfying thoughts lie behind them. Pleasant words should be more than words—they should be messengers of healing, suggestions of helpfulness. Now, as some trouble is required for the production of this kind of speech in daily intercourse, it is well to consider how valuable it is. It draws hearts together. It lightens the load of life and oils its wheels. There are enough of clouds about the souls of most men to make it desirable that we should shed all the sunshine that we possibly can. It would, be like a migration from Northern gloom to Southern sunshine for all speech to be seasoned with truly pleasant words.

II. PLEASANT WORDS ARE NEEDED IN CHRISTIAN TEACHING . The preacher is not to be a false prophet of smooth sayings, whispering," Peace, peace," when there is no peace. There are times when hard words must be spoken and most unpleasant truths do need to be driven home to unwilling hearers. But it will be only the pressing necessity of the subject that will force men of tender hearts to utter painful words. When the topic is not of this character, the most winning words should be chosen.

1 . In teaching the young. The gloom of some good people has repelled the young. Children ought to see the sunny side of religion. All who are themselves bright and happy should know that there is a greater gladness for them in Christ. The preacher of the gospel belies his rues:age when he proclaims it like a funeral dirge.

2 . In interesting the careless. We cannot frown men into the Church. if we show the attractiveness of the gospel by cheerful manners, we help to commend it to the world.

3 . In comforting the sorrowful. It is not necessary to speak sad words to the sad in order to prove our sympathy. It should be our aim to lighten the load of their sorrow.

III. PLEASANT WORDS ARE FOUND IN THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST . Christ preached so that "the common people heard him gladly." Men wondered at the "gracious wonts" that fell from his lips. Christianity is a religion of Divine grace. Surely there must be found many pleasant words in the description of it. The words of the gospel are pleasant, in particular, on several accounts.

1 . They tell of God's love .

2 . They portray Christ .

3 . They invite men to salvation .

4 . They reveal the blessedness of the kingdom of heaven .