Devotional for Thursday, March 7, 2019
“The Word Fitly Spoken”
by Dona Hake
What do you think of when you hear ~~ a word fitly spoken ~~?? When I think of a word fitly spoken, I think of expressing words from my heart to someone, and you just know in your heart of hearts that you have spoken exactly what they needed to hear. Yet, those same words spoken at the wrong time could possibly not be good. Just because you know something to be true does not mean it is the moment to speak it. Today let us ponder and meditate on desiring that our words are spoken in due season…the season that is in God’s plan for the moment.
James had some excellent advice about the handling of words in this life. Words are spoken, words are heard, and words can cause reaction. Words have the ability to build up, tear down, hurt, and even cause one to become angry. Words can create fear, yet they can also create faith. Oh the power of words!
James 1:19 (AMP)
“Understand [this], my beloved brethren.
Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener],
slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.”
I think of how many arguments would be avoided if this simple and profound verse was mastered by us. This verse has a wealth of wisdom in it. It is just as important to listen to another’s heart as well as how much we think our thoughts and words are important. After you have listened, then think thoroughly before you open your mouth. Many times you may feel that you have the right answer for someone’s problem yet it is not the appropriate time for that word to be spoken.
Let us ask the Lord to have sensitive hearts that we will purpose to listen more sensitively to those around us. Many times we may indeed know what that individual may need but we need to ask the Lord for the proper season to share it.
Proverbs 25:11 (AMP)
“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like
apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Listening to someone may be the greatest gift you could give them. Words of faith in someone’s fearful circumstance is the greatest gift. Choice words are a treasure to one that is in need. When you choose to listen carefully you will find the person you are with will be much more apt to hear your heartfelt and choice response. After you have listened carefully you will find they will be much more apt to hear your heartfelt and choice response. I believe the Lord can help us to guard our tongues that our words will be as choice silver and gold, and spoken at the proper time.