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A Few Choice Words

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.  Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)

Do more than exist, live.
Do more than touch, feel.
Do more than look, observe.
Do more than read, absorb.
Do more than hear, listen.
Do more than thank, ponder.
Do more than talk, say something.  John H Rhoads.

Do more than talk, say something.  Are you words “fitly spoken”?  The word “fitly” is an interesting term in the Hebrew.  It involves the idea of timing – a word spoken at the right time, or a word well-timed.  It is also related to the idea of a wheel, such as a potter’s wheel – a well turned or well-formed word.  As the NASB puts it:

Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.  Proverbs 25:11 (NASB)

A word “fitly spoken” can brighten the day for anyone you know.  On the other hand, all it takes is the wrong word to inflict pain and anxiety.  There is a similar statement in Proverbs 16:24:

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb,
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.  Proverbs 16:24 (NKJV)

Today if someone says ‘a few choice words’, it is usually a euphemistic way to refer to naughty, harsh, denunciatory, brazen or otherwise unsuitable-for-polite-company words.  However, the Bible tells us to choose our words wisely and speak ‘a few choice words’ in season. 

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!  Proverbs 15:23 (ESV)

We can purposely order our conversation and speak carefully chosen words of God to produce not only victory in our own lives but in the lives of others as well.  Everyone thrives on encouragement and a word spoken in season.  Today choose your words wisely and speak life, healing and blessing.