The Bible places significant emphasis on the power and importance of words spoken at the right time. Throughout Scripture, the timely delivery of words is portrayed as a source of wisdom, healing, and guidance. The ability to speak appropriately and effectively is seen as a gift and a mark of discernment.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs frequently highlights the value of timely words. Proverbs 15:23 states, "A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!" This verse underscores the joy and satisfaction that come from speaking words that are appropriate to the situation. Similarly, Proverbs 25:11 illustrates the beauty of well-timed words: "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." This imagery conveys the preciousness and aesthetic value of words that are spoken at the right moment.

The Role of the Tongue

James 3:5-6 warns of the potential for both good and harm that the tongue can bring: "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." While this passage highlights the destructive potential of careless words, it also implies the power of the tongue to do great good when used wisely.

Jesus and the Power of Words

Jesus Christ exemplified the perfect use of words throughout His ministry. His teachings, parables, and responses to questions were always timely and impactful. In John 7:46 , the officers sent to arrest Jesus returned, saying, "No one ever spoke like this man!" His words were filled with authority, wisdom, and grace, demonstrating the profound effect of speaking truth at the right moment.

Encouragement and Edification

The Apostle Paul encourages believers to use their words for building up others. Ephesians 4:29 instructs, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive emphasizes the importance of speaking words that edify and encourage, particularly when they are most needed.

The Holy Spirit's Guidance

The New Testament also teaches that the Holy Spirit aids believers in speaking appropriately. In moments of trial or uncertainty, Jesus assured His followers that the Spirit would provide the right words. Luke 12:11-12 records Jesus' promise: "When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say."

Practical Application

Believers are called to seek wisdom and discernment in their speech. Colossians 4:6 advises, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This counsel encourages Christians to be mindful of their words, ensuring they are gracious and appropriate for each situation.

In summary, the Bible consistently affirms the significance of words spoken at the proper moment. Whether through the wisdom literature of Proverbs, the teachings of Jesus, or the epistles of Paul, Scripture calls believers to recognize the power of their words and to use them wisely for the glory of God and the edification of others.Proverbs 15:23
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 50:4
The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens my ear to hear as the learned.
Nave's Topical Index

Acts XXIII
... No sooner were the words spoken than his habitual self-control ... if an angel or a spirit
has spoken to him ... But just at the proper moment to save him from despair ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiii.htm

He did Wrong, when Mentioning the Doctrines of Salvation, in ...
... one, when the words father and son are spoken, at once ... the Son and of the Holy Ghost
is supreme and proper. ... while in appearance and in mere words confessing it ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 14 he did wrong.htm

Chapter xlviii
... one sense, as we shall see in a moment, Joseph's sons ... point of view this was extremely
proper, because Joseph ... very clearly on the basis of words spoken to the ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xlviii.htm

Eutyches is Indignant
... responsible for his being provided with proper meals, Chrysostom ... as he was at the
moment, yet had ... the wretched Elpidius, to resent words spoken with perfect ...
/.../chapter xxix eutyches is indignant.htm

A Moment's Flashing Glance of Half-Amused Dismay at Angela...
... to you in this way,"it would not be proper,"it would ... and in a vague way he was sorry
to have spoken. ... imply by her manner, if not by her words, that she ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xii a moments flashing glance.htm

John v. 14
... they thought that the words were spoken of their ... disciples imagined another, supposing
that the words were said of ... with His Power and His proper Authority, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxviii john v 14.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ...
... this account take from the Holy Spirit His proper power, look ... that which we read
to have been spoken by the ... But when he adds the words, "Dividing to every man ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxi on the words.htm

From the Fourth to the Seventh Commandment
... Liguori made a vow never to waste a moment of his ... "Proper care of our own life."
It is not our property ... make more impression upon us than bad words spoken to us ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 33 from the fourth.htm

Discourse III.
... Father: for he believes in what is proper to the ... illustrations cannot be taken literally,
as if spoken of natural ... Godhead from the Father, if such words may be ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/discourse iii.htm

The Mission of Paul and Silas to Macedonia.
... honour of our salvation; and the proper sentiments of ... fate snatched from them, at
the moment when they ... or were the words spoken in derision of their character ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvii the mission of.htm

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