Proverbs 15:23 A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word!
I admit that I looked at this verse and was not sure what was meant by giving an apt reply. I knew what everything else meant and felt it fit into the theme for the month, so included it for this month’s plan. But first I had to look up the definition of apt. Apt is to the point or particularly appropriate. Once I knew the definition, the verse made even more sense.
All throughout the Bible we see verses on the power of our words or the tongue. Our words hold the power of life and death (Proverbs 18:31). Encouragement and discouragement, both, come through our spoken words, so we should be careful with what we say. We don’t want our words to pierce like a sword (Proverbs 12:18).
Today’s verse is just one more verse that showcases the power of the spoken word. But today’s verse also speaks of joy. We find joy in giving a reply that is to the point or appropriate. Not only do our words provide joy for us, but are likely received with joy, as well, when they are appropriate and timely. That is how powerful a response can be, which is why it is important for us to be paying attention to our words and what we speak. We need to be a good listener first so that our response is beneficial to those we speak to.
Consider the words you spoke today. Were they appropriate? Did they give you joy? Did they help the person to whom you spoke? Let’s make the effort to reflect on what we say and learn how to speak truth with love and joy.
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