11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. ~ Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken, or in other words, a word spoken at the right time and in the right context is like apples of gold in settings of silver. In other words, it’s beautiful. The right word at the right time will work wonders. It will turn a bad situation into a good outcome. It will smooth over those rough words that proceed.
Why add fuel to the fire? Why not douse the flames with water and out the fire? Words can be smooth as silk, while others are sharp and abrasive and can cut to the bone. Those are the words that we want to keep away from, and instead, use the smooth as silk ones.
Words are triggers. Just one word can change the whole atmosphere from something beautiful to something ugly. Just one word can bring about division, hard feelings, and insults. Remember that our enemy is the prince of the power of the air. If he is the prince of the power of the air, and our words travel across airwaves, would it not be reasonable to believe that he has the power to manipulate words?
I believe that is the reason why so many arguments break out for no apparent reason. Maybe he somehow manipulates the airwaves, and it comes across as excessively aggressive when it was really intended for the opposite. That is why one of the first reactions is to say, “That’s not what I said.” Or, “That is not want I meant.”
Facial expressions, I suppose, have a lot to do with it as well. Smile when you talk, and the smile will reflect in your voice and in your words. Endeavor to present a pleasant face at all times in all situations. Train yourself in these things because the Scriptures say that it’s by practice that we develop our gifts. And if we develop our gifts by practice, would it not be reasonable to say the fruits of the Spirit are the same? Yes, it would be the same. So, if joy is one of the fruits of the Spirit, and it is, should we not make an effort to cultivate that fruit? Surely, the fruits of the Spirit does not just appear, they must be cultivated. For just like a physical fruit does not appear in someone’s garden, neither does the fruit of the Spirit just appear in someone’s life; it has to be cultivated.
So, let us strive to cultivate harmony with each other and live in peace with both God and man.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus, who died for me, and thank You for Your Holy Spirit that sows the seeds of the Spirit in my soul for me to water, cultivate, and grow. Help me to nurture and grow these gifts so that I might be pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
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