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A WORD FITLY SPOKEN
By Mark Jamieson

There are many ways available to us to encourage one another. Our attendance to classes and assemblies. A smile. A hug. A card. A visit.

In Proverbs 25:11, we read, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Our words are the greatest source of our encouragement. Our words can build up another who is discouraged, depressed, and overwhelmed.

We all need and desire encouragement. It has been said that it takes 10 compliments to undo 1 criticism. The converse is also true: one criticism can undo ten compliments. Paul writes, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt…” ( Colossians 4:6). Contextually, he is speaking about how we are to deal with those outside the kingdom (v. 5). If we are to so treat those who are not our brethren, how much more should we apply this to our brothers and sisters in Christ?

James says, speaking of the tongue, “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” ( James 3:9- 10). We who have been saved from our sins by the grace of God should be looking for opportunities to encourage, and not going out of our way to tear down.

Likewise, Jesus teaches us that our words, whether good or bad, come from a heart that is the same: “Brood of viper? How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” ( Matthew 12:34-37).

Who does God want you to encourage today? Let us resolve to bring forth good treasure from good hearts. Why not take them some golden apples in silver settings?
(Pathfinder, October 11, 2009)