Bible Verse of the Day Tuesday January 24th, 2023

Proverbs 15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!

Much suffering and distress can come when we allow our tongues to get in a forward motion before we engage our minds. The misspoken word can lead to disappointment and discouragement for both the sender and receiver of the unkind words. However, when we prepare ourselves to give an apt reply, it will bring great joy to know that we have shared God’s Word with one that might need the light of Christ Jesus, in their life, at that moment in time. Although there is a difference in God’s timing and our schedule, God’s Holy Word says there is a correct and proper time to speak and a time to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). This proverb teaches us how to say the right thing at the right moment in time. Paul told his young missionary partner, Timothy, to always be ready to share God's Word (2 Timothy 4:2). We are told the same thing by Peter, always stand ready and willing to give an answer and share with others the hope you know because of Christ Jesus, with kindness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). 

The appropriate time to speak and the right time to be silent are advantageous for both the speaker and the listener. The right words spoken in wisdom, at just the particular moment they are needed, can bring about great joy to ourselves and those around us. When Satan tempts us to demean or disparage someone or speak slanderous words about them, that would be the right time to remain silent. God gave us two ears, but only one month; it only makes sense then that we should listen to twice as many words as we speak (Proverbs 17:28). Christ Jesus left us with a warning for all that engage in idle speaking (Matthew 12:36). The religious leaders of Jesus’ day and this day in age as well poisoned the people with words; they will be held responsible for every idle word they spoke against Christ. Someone may say, “I did not mean to undermine Jesus; it was just light talk.” Light talk about serious matters is a solemn issue. Everyone will have to explain the words that others harm. 

There can be no joy more magnificent than the pleasure found in the hope we have, knowing that all the promises God has made throughout His Holy Word are a solid rock upon which we may stand. However, all of us, as believers in Christ, know that sometimes there might be some situation where we could use encouraging words, “how good is a timely word?”