Proverbs 15:23 New Living Translation
“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it
is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!”
There are times in this life when a
timely word of encouragement and/or support would be much appreciated. Sadly, too many people feel compelled to ‘tell
it like it is’, rather than think of another person’s need for compassion. They would rather satisfy their own need to
be true to who they seem to think they are, even though that persons actions’
are not emblematic of the Christ life. Being sensitive to the leading of the Holy
Spirit within allows one to say the right thing at the exact time when it is
needed the most by another.
One criteria for the words we use is
taken from Matthew Henry’s OT commentary. Regarding the word(s) you choose to
say Henry asks the question: “How good is it and how much good does it
do!” It is always right to lift up
another rather than tear them down. A
kind word spoken can be a salve to their soul. Proverbs 25:11 says, “Like
apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances.”[1]
It
takes wisdom to give a proper word at just he right time and it takes
discernment to know when to keep your mouth closed. There is great satisfaction
in blessing someone with the right saying at a time it is needed the most. If
your focus is on Christ you will be sensitive to those in need and both receive
a blessing. God knows what peoples’
needs are and to speak a right word to someone in great need can change their
entire situation. A brief prayer or thoughtful word will cause others to seek
you out for something positive to happen to them. So many go thru life being verbally beaten
down that you stand out in a good, positive way not only due to your words, but
your bright disposition.
Resource:
The Life Application Study Bible, published by Tyndale House.
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