When We Speak…

goldapple

“apples of gold in silver settings”

“One kind word can warm three winter months.”—Japanese Proverb

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.  Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuke to an obedient ear.” (Proverbs 25:11, 12)

I got to thinking recently about the things we say to and about others.  If you just be quiet and listen … it is amazing what you can hear … just as it is amazing what we can say to others if we’ll just take the time to think about our words before we speak them!  We hear sermons and read articles referencing the unkind, untrue and even at times judgmental words, and those sermons and articles need to continue.  Now, there is a time and place for us to speak words of correction and admonition as Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1-4, but there is also a very real need to give and receive words that encourage, strengthen and edify.  Right?  Right!

Can you remember a time in your life when someone shared just the right words that were so appropriate at that moment?  I sure can.  In fact, I can remember many such occasions!

Can you remember a time in your life when you saw a friend, relative or fellow servant in the kingdom who needed to be encouraged and you took the time to offer them the same kind of encouraging and hope-producing words?  I sure can!  And I am confident they can remember them as well.

Let’s don’t be guilty of underestimating the power of genuinely spoken words of strength, encouragement and comfort!  You see … those kinds of words are just like “apples of gold in silver settings.”

Your challenge for this day and the days to come:  Speak thoughtful and genuine words of kindness and encouragement to others as often as you can!  You’ll be glad you did.

Bill

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2 Responses to “When We Speak…”

  1. Denise Lane March 20, 2014 at 1:18 pm # Reply

    Bill, you always amaze me. Somehow you know what I am needing to hear all the time. You continue to encourage me and yes even when I need to be shown the errors of my way you are there. Please let me know when you are in the Kansas City area. Mom would love to see you as well. Tell Lori hi for me.

  2. Diana Peek March 21, 2014 at 11:19 am # Reply

    Thanks for those encouraging words of wisdom. They come at a time that I especially needed them and appreciate the gravity of them. The tongue is so easily whipped around just as a sword and just as sharp. How hard it is to bridle and yet if we weren’t so quick to respond it would be much more effective.
    Stop and THINK before we speak. May God continue to bless you.

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