Timeliness

October 18

Jeremiah 30-31

Psalm 117

Proverbs 25:11-12

Hebrews 1

Timeliness

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.  Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.” 

Proverbs 25:11-12 LSB

Knowing what to say and when to say it is a gift.  The right word said at the appropriate time can bring healing and comfort, but the same words spoken at the wrong time can bring heartache and pain.  We cannot possibly know what is going on in the heart of another person.  We don’t know their thoughts and we cannot know the words they need to hear at any given time.  But thankfully, our God does.  In His omniscience and sovereignty, He sees all and knows all.  He knows what they need to hear and what will resonate in their hearts.  If we listen to His prompting and allow Him to guide our words, He can use us to speak truth and bring restoration and hope.  The timing of our words is just as important as the content.  We can be speaking truth, but if the timing is off, it can cause more harm than good.  Likewise, we need to make sure the message we speak is from God and not our own opinion or wisdom.  “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Yahweh, my rock and my Redeemer.”  Psalm 19:14 LSB   “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18 LSB   “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24 LSB 

Not only is it important that we weigh our choice of words carefully, but the tone of our voice also matters.  Words spoken in gentleness and love are received in a very different way than the same words that have a tone of condescension or anger.  Our motives come through in our tone so it is important that we check our heart before we speak and make sure we are speaking from a pure heart. God knows when their heart is receptive to what we have to say and He is able to guide us to speak when they have a listening ear.  Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak.” LSB    Thinking and praying before we speak allows God to guide us so that we can know what we need to say and when we need to say it.