Apt Answers

For Thursday, February 16, 2006
Proverbs 15:23

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in seaon, how good it is!

It is a blessing to give an apt word and to receive it. The blessing of possessing wisdom is giving an apt word that encourages a neighbor; or that saves the neighbor from disaster; or gives guidance that leads a neighbor along the right path. That is the blessing of possessing knowledge - to help others when they are in need. And wisdom is needed for giving such answers. Often an apt answer is a surprise even to the one giving it. But, in truth, the answer is not surprising because it comes from an inner source of wisdom and discernment. The surprise homeroom at the bottom of the ninth happens because of years of conditioning and practice, so that even if it is the only homeroom of the hitter, it is still the result of one he has developed physically and inwardly. Do you want to give "apt" answers? Then seek wisdom; store up wisdom through study of the Scriptures; through listening to and reading the works of wise people; through prayer.

And give thanks to God for the "word in season" that has come to you. Thank him for the word from a friend, a relative, a minister, and even a stranger that came at just the right time - the note, the email, the phone call, the sentence in a book, a song overheard. In so many ways God has sent to us a word in season.

And thank God for the "Word for all seasons," our Lord Jesus Christ.