Proverbs 25:11. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
1. You can say the wrong thing at the right time.
2. You can say the right thing at the wrong time.
3. You can say the right thing at the right time.
Obviously, we all want to aim for number 3. Unfortunately, those of us who are well intentioned often land on number 2.
When the proverb uses the word fitly it means timely, or at just the right time. It also means to say things with grace and gentleness. Have you ever said something that was right, but at the wrong time, or in the wrong way? It’s very easy to do isn’t it?
Someone is sorrowing so you try to comfort them with the truth of Heaven, but you haven’t allowed them time to grieve properly yet – unfitly.
Saying, “See, I told you so,” to someone who has messed up – unfitly.
Having an opinion about things even when no one asked for your advice – unfitly.
Making someone feel stupid for their poorly planned idea – unfitly.
Confronting someone at church that you don’t really know, have built no trust with, no relationship with, and yet feeling like you have the right to tell them how to live their life – unfitly.
Correcting your spouse in public instead of waiting until you get home in private – unfitly.
Gossip – unfitly.
Secret telling – unfitly.
Graceless confrontation – unfitly.
Do any of these examples sound familiar?
Speaking the truth is an apple of gold. But speaking the truth at the right time and in the right way gives it a setting of silver.
Encouraging words at just the right time – fitly.
Humble confrontation – fitly.
Asking honest questions in order to understand better – fitly.
Speaking the truth in love – fitly.
In Christ, we have this power, the power of his grace and love that can allow us to not only say the right things, but to say it at the right time and in the right way. This takes practice, self-control, self-awareness, empathy, and a whole lot of grace. But, in Christ, fitly words are possible by the Spirit of Christ that now rules our hearts and minds.
You: Do you speak fitly or unfitly words?
You in Christ: How does the word of Christ (gospel) allow you to speak words of life to others?
Christ in you: Has Christ in you been nudging you to encourage someone? Why not today?
Pray: Holy Spirit, help me to know what to say and when to say it. Amen.
To Live is Christ 