Proverbs In 365 Devotions
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Proverbs 15:23 To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
You know, that's something I truly long for. To have a fitting response and be a better communicator… a better relationship type person. Sometimes I say the right thing but it is in the wrong season. Do you know what I mean? Like, “I feel sorry for you in this difficulty you’re going through… and here’s what you need to do”. Or if I try to cheer someone up in too chipper of a way when they really need to morn… maybe after the loss of a loved one.
Or how about Proverbs 27:14 Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, will be counted as cursing.
My mother used to wake us kids up in the morning with singing or something like “hurry kids and get up… it’s snowing outside” or “hurry or you’ll miss it… there’s a jackalope in the back yard”.
Oh, for me, I would have preferred to be awakened from sleep in a more apt manner… I had to fight against begrudging her words even though they were intended for good and I knew it.
But yes, I want this ability to say the right and best thing at the right time.
Solomon seems to really think this thing about words and speaking is a big deal and I agree.
In Proverbs 25:11 he says: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Saying the right thing at the right time is like an amazing painting that mesmerizes you and settles you… something that is beautiful and all you can say is “Yes, Yes” “Thanks for that”.
In Proverbs 24:26 Solomon says this: Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
We desperately need honesty in our world today… and I think with covid-19 and social distancing these days honesty with love when given aptly in season is better than a kiss any day of the week.
James chapter 3 gives us some troubling words about the tongue. Heres a part of that:
James 3:7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James says how all kinds of animals have been tamed… sure it may be difficult for some and take many years… It is a scary thought to try and tame some wild animals… bears or lions… Even the more gentle animals are difficult to train. Have you ever tried to housebreak a pig or wild raccoon… but he says the tongue is untamable by man. It makes messes everywhere it goes… and they are very difficult to clean up!
So although it is impossible for man to tame the tongue there is good news… God can do it… and we can actually speak these apt and timely good words Solomon tells us about. You see, the tongue is synced up with the heart and the Lord is the heart changer. He gives those who look to him in faith the righteousness of his only Son Jesus and and he gives them a heart for God… the tongue simply follows suit.
Again Luke 6:45 is apt and timely for todays text.
Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Pray
