A Lesson from the Bee “life and death are in the hands of the tongue”

Image by autan via Flickr

Have you ever stopped to appreciate all the work bees do to ensure a continuous cycle? Have you had a chance to observe the way it meticulously collects the pollen or how it hovers over in a field carefully searching for those perfect flowers to bring back their payload to its nest? Although the bee might seem to be a loner it knows well its task and place in the workings of its hive. As a member of its group it can be relied on since it is an integral part of the communal effort to produce its product. The fruits of its labor take much time and effort to produce. A bee keeper tries to maintain a delicate relationship with the bees. In order to keep the secure balance of a healthy community the keeper must ensure that there is healthy equilibrium of all the players and producers in the colony.

As in many of G-d creations bees too have their defense tactics that some of us have found to be unpleasant (not so pleasant). One might find the sting of a honey bee a slight nuisance but may consider the sting of a wasp a more serious sting (offense). The feminine form in Hebrew for bee is Devorah and in the masculine form is Dabur (Hornet). The Hebrew root is Daled Bet Reysh meaning speak.  Our sources are filled with examples helping us to learn the power of speech. Devorah the Prophetess was a true leader who was wise with her words.

Words are like bees. At times a slight sting may be irritating or just be an annoyance. At other times certain words can serve as a massive strike. Certain bees in the hive protect their community. The Israeli Navy has chosen to name their patrol class boats respectively DABUR and DEVORA.

Words can sting or be sweet. We should emulate the bee who can hover over beautiful and delicate flowers taking only what is needed from each of G-d creation and pollinating in a positive way the nearby flowers. We should reflect and be gentle with words we choose. We are in essence the beekeepers. As we reflect on our actions during the Holidays of Tishrei we should be mindful of the quote from Mishlei (proverbs) 18:21  (Mavet v’chayim beyad Halashon) – “life and death are in the hands of the tongue”.

May each of your days be overflowing with sweetness of honey