Fitly Spoken

For Monday, September 3, 2007
Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

The key term is "fitly." A word can be spoken with the intent to bless but ends up being like a curse. One can speak with the intent to heal, but instead wounds. One can say a word for peace and produce turmoil.

The word must be "fitly" spoken. It matters what word is chosen. It also matters how the word is spoken - whether softly or harshly. It must be spoken at the right time - either immediately or delayed. How then does one know what or how or when? The way that anyone applies his craft - through observation. What does a medical doctor do when you come in with a complaint? He examines you. He listens to you explain your symptoms. Then he determines the treatment. The same is true of the car mechanic and the new coach of the football team and the salesperson. If they are good in what they do, they listen and observe well, before they act.

So it is necessary for the person speaking a word fitly. He listens and observes the person and the circumstances surrounding the person, and then he speaks the word needed that becomes like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Its value and beauty are understood. How fitting will your words be today?