A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
Proverbs 25:11
Think for a moment of a treasured piece of jewelry — the gold cross given to you on your confirmation day, your wedding band, grandma’s antique brooch. Perhaps fond thoughts and happy memories flood your mind. The writer of Proverbs compares an appropriate word to a treasured piece of jewelry.
A loving word, an encouraging word, even a correcting word may have more value than any jewel. It may bring about forgiveness after anger, joy after sorrow, peace after pain. Jesus gives us beautiful examples of words fitly spoken.… “your sins are forgiven” (Matthew 9:2b). “Fear not, … you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:31). “Let the little children come to me … ” (Matthew 19:14b).
At the tomb on Easter Day, Jesus’ simple “Mary” brought her joy and gave her direction (John 20:16). Thank You, Lord, for fitly spoken words that have brought Your love to me. Help me speak words of encouragement, direction, and peace so that others may know Your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
East Asia – Heavenly
Father, there are millions of people living in East Asia who are in spiritual
darkness. Governments in these areas make it challenging to carry out your
Son’s Great Commission. Yet we praise your name for the 150 new souls who have
received the blessing of forgiveness in baptism in the past two years. Be with
the five national pastors and other spiritual leaders as they serve 7
congregations and 11 church plants. Protect them and give them boldness to
proclaim your name, so that the light of the gospel will create faith in many
more people. Amen.
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