Today's Verse: Proverbs 15:23

Thursday, October 23, 2014

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 Thursday, October 23, 2014

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Lydia and Her Household' (Acts 16:13-15)
"[After arriving in Philippi several days before,] on the Sabbath we [Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke] went a little way outside the city to a..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Putting Poverty in Perspective' (Jn. 12:7-8)
"[When Judas said the expensive perfume Mary used to anoint Jesus should have been sold and the money given to the poor,] Jesus replied, "Leave her..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Helps Those Who Turn from Evil' (Am. 5:14-15)
"Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Jesus' Parting Gift' (Jn. 14:25-27)
"[Jesus said,] "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make..."

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