“Fix these words of mine in your hearts . . . tie them as symbols on your hands” Deuteronomy 11:18

Sweeter than Honey

Today's Verse

The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
Psalm 19:9–11, Proverbs 16:24 · KJV

The Devotion

I don't know about you, but there's something about a warm plate of biscuits fresh from the oven - slathered in lots of butter and honey! Bonus points if the butter is Honey Butter from Texas Roadhouse (you can buy that at Walmart nowadays. You're welcome!).

Honey is mentioned a few times in the Bible for various reasons, but my favorite mention of honey is when the Bible compares God's Word to honey. Psalm 19 says God's Word is better than gold and sweeter than honey! It'd be better to have just one verse of God's Word than all the gold in the world. For the Christian, God's Word is honey to us in a few different ways:

1. God's Word always fresh, yet never changing. It has a long shelf life. Archaeological digs have found honey from ancient Egypt that they say is still edible, although I doubt anyone has tried it! Similarly, the Bible was written across the span of about 1500 years, on three continents, from 40 human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit, in three languages, in different places like a palace, a prison, an island, and a hillside, yet it is unified in its story, consistent in its accuracy, and fresh in its application. The Word of God is living and active!

2. God's Word keeps us from sin and sin's consequences. Honey is a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial. According to the Heavenly Honey Company, honey has been used in medicine since ancient times. And, "when applied to wounds, it aids in preventing infections and speeds up the healing process. It’s even used as a topical treatment for minor burns and wounds in some medical practices." God's word is like a healing balm to our soul. It comforts us, corrects us, and keeps us from the infectious disease of sin.

There's an interesting piece of Jewish history from medieval times. When a Jewish child began studying the Scriptures (Torah) under a rabbi (or teacher), the rabbi would write the letters of the Hebrew alphabet on a tablet. Then, he'd spread honey over the tablet and ask the child to lick it - physically demonstrating the sweetness of the words.

You may not lick your Bible today. That'd be too weird. But let God's Word be sweet like honey to you today!

A Prayer for Today

Lord, thank you for your perfect, unchanging Word that gives life to my bones and strengthens my spirit. Help me understand Your Word, Holy Spirit, so that I can follow Jesus and live for Him. May Your Word, O God, be precious to me and sweeter than honey today. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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