Today's Verse: Proverbs 15:23

Wednesday, October 23, 2002

A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!
— Proverbs 15:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Knowing the right word at the right time is a great gift. But even the best of speakers has to admit that the best of his or her words are not nearly as good as those the Spirit gives. Nevertheless, we must not excuse ourselves for our insensitive speech, unkindness, or missed opportunities. Not paying attention to what was said is no excuse. Not being spiritually in tune with the needs of our companions is a cop out. Simply not knowing Scripture well enough to bless others with gracious speech at the appropriate time is self-deception. Listening to others after having listened to God in his Word is what tunes our ears and our hearts to bless others.

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Loving Shepherd, I will spend much of my time today with people. Some of them know you, but most do not. Please give me wisdom to say things that lead people closer to you. Give me words of help and hope for the broken. Give me words of tenderness for the fainting. Give me words of direction for the confused. Father, I pray that whatever words I do say today may reflect your will and may be led by your purposes to bless others. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Saying the Right Thing at the Right Time
Devo: Together in Christ
"Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!"
Send a Reply!
Illustration of Proverbs 15:23
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 15:23 -- A man finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word!
Having a Fitting Reply
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
Let's worship today, praising God and asking for the help of the Holy Spirit as we seek to respond to people as Jesus did! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in online, virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos to help us understand how to give fitting replies to others in different conversation contexts.

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 15:23 — A man finds joy in giving an apt reply — and how good is a timely word!

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, October 23, 2002

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 5:19-20
"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'I Cling to You' (Ps. 63:6-8)
"I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Foretold' (Ac. 28:25)
"And after [the Jewish leaders in Rome] had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: "The Holy Spirit was right when he...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Pedigree or Faith?' (Jn. 8:37-40)
"[Continuing his reply to the Jews, Jesus said,] "Yes, I realize that you are descendants of Abraham. And yet some of you are trying to kill me because..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse