Together in Christ: 'A Timely Word' — Proverbs 15:23

The Bible views time from two perspectives. One perspective is very similar to the way we view time. The word for this is chronos. We derive the English concepts of chronometer and chronology from this view of linear sequential time. However, there is another way to view time. This view of time looks at a moment in time from the perspective of what is divinely apt, a perfect moment in time for something eternal to be said or some epoch-changing event to happen. This is kairos or fullness of chronos time. We see this kind of time reflected in Paul's words to the Galatians:

But when the right time — the fullness of time — came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. ^[1]

Our relationship proverb for today reminds us that we want to listen and reply to those around us with words that are suitable for kairos blessing — "an apt reply" and "a timely word." Jesus wants us to be salt to our flavorless and offensive world of decay and light to our world of growing darkness. ^[2] When we listen to others, then prayer-pause to ask God for wisdom in how best to respond, Jesus can use our words to bless, heal, and redeem what might otherwise be a messy, hurtful, or confusing conversation. When we respond this way, our kairos-infused words bring us joy and a blessing to the person with whom we speak!