Proverbs 15:23, A Word In Season
September 29, Proverbs 15:23
Acts 16:28-31; 27:21-26 “A wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment.”
A Word In Season
Today’s proverb says, A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is. Such a word comes when “the mouth is under Divine discipline” (Bridges). Have we forgotten the miracle of speech? How tragic when one loses the ability to speak! Let us not take for granted the wonderful fact that we can communicate good words to one another, or abuse it by base or unworthy words. What a blessing it is to speak that blessed word when most needed.
1. A Simple Act: It is just to speak a word, not give a speech! We know that the little word “yes” or “no” can make all the difference in a sentence. That one little word spoken can contribute to someone’s happiness. “A good word is as easily said as a bad one.” A simple act, yes, but yet it can be a supreme act! A word is something that costs little, but may mean a lot. Words, carried by the Holy Spirit, have power to change lives.
2. A Set Time: A word spoken in due season is a timely word. It is a word when needed most. There is a time to every purpose under heaven… a time to keep silence, and a time to speak (Eccl. 3:1, 7). If, however, we are silent when we ought to speak, we are forfeiting an opportunity to meet someone’s need, and we are failing God. There is a wonderful Messianic prophecy to this effect. The Lord hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary (Isa. 50:4). How often did the Lord Jesus fulfill that ministry, and He calls His followers to do likewise (Matt. 12:35)! How we need to pray with Samuel, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. That due season is often a time of serious disappointment or trial in someone’s life. A right word at the wrong time can do harm, just as a wrong word at the right time can also be disastrous. A man hath joy when he says the right word at the right time (Pr. 12:25). When spirits are lowest, how much that word spoken can mean to the hurting!
3. A Sure Result: “How good it is!” Good, because it brings joy to the one who gives it. There is an approving response in his conscience. Good, because of its benefit to others, because it lifted someone “out of the slough of despond.” Especially is this good when it is a word spoken in the name of Christ and for His sake. Luther said: “The word pronounced from Holy Scripture in a time of need carries an inconceivable weight with it. The Holy Spirit accompanies it, and by it moves and animates the hearts of the people, as their circumstances require.” John the Baptist was standing with two of his disciples, and looking on Jesus as He walked, he said, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus (Jn. 1:36-37), and the whole course of their lives was changed from that moment by that Word.
Thought: Every moment is the right moment for the right word.
Prayer: Lord, make me such a joy-giver.