“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply, it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!”-Proverbs 15:23
Last week, we reflected on the great importance of listening and being sensible about when we should just keep our mouths closed. This week, let’s consider together the significant value of when we should speak up and how we should speak. After all, God did create words for us to use to communicate. We are to speak in a way that honors God and helps people.
Can you remember a time when someone said something to you that was exactly what you needed to hear in that moment? Perhaps it was an encouraging word that brought strength or hope. It might have been a simple friendly greeting that made you feel welcomed. Maybe it was a word of exhortation that caused you to take the action you knew you needed to take. Proverbs 15:23 is a reminder from God about the power of words spoken in a timely fashion. Let’s read the verse again looking at it in The Message translation, “Congenial conversation—what a pleasure! The right word at the right time—beautiful!” This wonderful passage is a reiteration from God to us on the potency of speaking up in the right way and time. When we do, the words we share can make a big difference for the glory of God!
With this in mind, let’s be prayerful and available to speak to others, sharing a timely word. God doesn’t need us, but in His great kindness He loves to work in us and through us to share a good word in a good way. There may be a lonely soul who would be greatly encouraged by a friendly, “Hello there. How are you today?” A family member, friend, co-worker, or even a stranger could see the love of God through one of us as we share an affirming word, a word of hope, or even a gracious correction about something that may not be quite true. God calls us to speak words that build up, giving grace to those who hear (Ephesians 4:29)! May God help us to be those who say the right thing at the right time.
Godspeed, friends!
-Scott