The Words You Need in the Moment

Again and again, the wisdom of the tongue cannot be overstated in the book of Proverbs. Consider the emphasis of the timing and nature of our words in Proverbs 25. 

Proverbs 25:11–13 (ESV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. 13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Three facets of our conversation here that should be noted. First that it is timely. Our words have a right moment and a bunch of wrong ones. Wisdom puts them in the right place at the right time. Second, our words need to be truthful and given to those who will receive them. And finally, our words need to be faithful, that is, to scripture's truth as God has revealed. 

Consider the proverb in verse 20 expressing a WRONG time for the WRONG word:

Proverbs 25:20 (ESV) Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like vinegar on soda.

Then two verses later this gem concerning speaking when subservient to others:

Proverbs 25:15 (ESV) With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

The interesting visual of words here is that the softer they are, the more impact they can have. No, we are not always to speak softly and Jesus raised His voice on occasion, but when the tension rises in an arena in which we are not in control, the softer and more patience we have in our speech, the better it goes for us. 

Then there is such a thing as too much of you. 

Proverbs 25:17 (ESV) Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.

What a proverb! I remember reading that in college and thinking about how often I sought friendships with so many people by being too present. There really is such a thing. And this proverb helped me realize that the problem was me and not them. To overwhelm someone with yourself is unloving and unwise. 

And what about our enemies? They do not need our words. In fact, we aren't even commanded to offer them. But what we are commanded in both the Old and New Testaments is to bless them in practical ways. 

Proverbs 25:21–22 (ESV) If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Interesting to note that loving your enemies is an Old Testament idea. The same God who became flesh and love us when we here HIS enemies wrote both parts of scripture. 

The movement of your is largely determined by how you treat other people. And in everyone's life are a host of types of other people. The words of our mouths can bless or curse our own lives as we use them toward those different types of people. Knowing when to be silent, to be patient, to be outspoken takes wisdom. And the good news is from James - if we want it or need it, we need only ask for it. 

James 1:5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

What will your words do for you and others today?