Words Spoken at the Right Time
Everyday Encouragement for Every Day
SCRIPTURE:
Proverbs 15:23 NKJV - A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
OBSERVATION:
Proverbs 15 illustrates how our hearts influence our words; in other words, the condition of our hearts often determines how we respond. Jesus conveyed the same message.
Luke 6:45 NKJV - "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
How often do the words we speak affect those we talk to or listen to? Probably more than we want to admit.
A 2025 study with 2,000 participants found that, across all ages, women spoke slightly more words per day than men: about 13,349 for women compared to 11,950 for men. That’s a lot of words when you think about it. Yet in the same study, some people spoke as few as 100 words, and others more than 120,000. Words are how we communicate, and words are how we build up or tear down. Some use fewer and others more.
Proverbs 10:19 NKJV - In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
James 1:19 NLT - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
These verses are not suggesting that we should limit ourselves to 100 words a day, but rather that we think about what we say and listen before we speak.
We all know the old saying: We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak. This is what Solomon is referencing in this proverb.
The NKJV states: “A man has joy by the answer of the mouth,” while the NLT says: “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply.” These interpretations offer two perspectives. First, we might pride ourselves on our responses because we enjoy hearing ourselves talk, which can lead to the proverbial “open mouth, insert foot’ or revealing our foolishness. In this view, a superficial answer isn't really an answer; it's just empty words. Alternatively, we can choose to listen carefully, pray, and reflect before responding. This approach brings joy not only to oneself but also to the listener.
The NLT concludes with: "It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.” Reflect on this for a moment. “The right thing, at the right time" suggests that we should carefully consider our words and their impact on others. This idea parallels doing "the right thing, the right way.” We can both do and say things, but are they done in the right way, at the right time?
The NKJV captures it perfectly: “A word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Words spoken at the right moment bring joy and, more importantly, encouragement. How can we use our 12,650 words per day (average for both women and men) to ensure our words do more than fill the air, create noise, or reveal foolishness, but instead genuinely encourage?
APPLICATION:
In Acts 4:36, there is a man named Joseph who was given the nickname Barnabas, meaning 'Son of Encouragement.” Not much is known about him except that he was so encouraging that the apostles gave him this nickname. The name Joseph translates to 'let him add,' suggesting he might have enjoyed contributing, speaking his mind, or speaking impulsively at times. Personally, I relate to that tendency. Over time, God has helped me overcome insecurities from my youth, which often led to unkind words and actions. It has taken many years, including during my marriage and the early years with my children, to realize how my words, tone, and actions affect others.
When the Lord began to reveal the “calling” He had given me—Son of Encouragement—He started to transform me from the inside out. What I needed to change is still ongoing. Now, I live each day striving to encourage others through everyday encouragement.
Proverbs 15:23 NKJV - A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
OBSERVATION:
Proverbs 15 illustrates how our hearts influence our words; in other words, the condition of our hearts often determines how we respond. Jesus conveyed the same message.
Luke 6:45 NKJV - "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."
How often do the words we speak affect those we talk to or listen to? Probably more than we want to admit.
A 2025 study with 2,000 participants found that, across all ages, women spoke slightly more words per day than men: about 13,349 for women compared to 11,950 for men. That’s a lot of words when you think about it. Yet in the same study, some people spoke as few as 100 words, and others more than 120,000. Words are how we communicate, and words are how we build up or tear down. Some use fewer and others more.
Proverbs 10:19 NKJV - In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.
James 1:19 NLT - Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
These verses are not suggesting that we should limit ourselves to 100 words a day, but rather that we think about what we say and listen before we speak.
We all know the old saying: We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak. This is what Solomon is referencing in this proverb.
The NKJV states: “A man has joy by the answer of the mouth,” while the NLT says: “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply.” These interpretations offer two perspectives. First, we might pride ourselves on our responses because we enjoy hearing ourselves talk, which can lead to the proverbial “open mouth, insert foot’ or revealing our foolishness. In this view, a superficial answer isn't really an answer; it's just empty words. Alternatively, we can choose to listen carefully, pray, and reflect before responding. This approach brings joy not only to oneself but also to the listener.
The NLT concludes with: "It is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time.” Reflect on this for a moment. “The right thing, at the right time" suggests that we should carefully consider our words and their impact on others. This idea parallels doing "the right thing, the right way.” We can both do and say things, but are they done in the right way, at the right time?
The NKJV captures it perfectly: “A word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Words spoken at the right moment bring joy and, more importantly, encouragement. How can we use our 12,650 words per day (average for both women and men) to ensure our words do more than fill the air, create noise, or reveal foolishness, but instead genuinely encourage?
APPLICATION:
In Acts 4:36, there is a man named Joseph who was given the nickname Barnabas, meaning 'Son of Encouragement.” Not much is known about him except that he was so encouraging that the apostles gave him this nickname. The name Joseph translates to 'let him add,' suggesting he might have enjoyed contributing, speaking his mind, or speaking impulsively at times. Personally, I relate to that tendency. Over time, God has helped me overcome insecurities from my youth, which often led to unkind words and actions. It has taken many years, including during my marriage and the early years with my children, to realize how my words, tone, and actions affect others.
When the Lord began to reveal the “calling” He had given me—Son of Encouragement—He started to transform me from the inside out. What I needed to change is still ongoing. Now, I live each day striving to encourage others through everyday encouragement.
"This proverb sets forth the satisfaction of being able to say the right thing at the right moment." – G. Campbel Morgan.
Take it from someone who used to try daily to defend myself against the ridicule and laughter of others; now, encouraging others is a joyful work of God. To Him be all the glory.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for calling me and others to be “encouragers.” May we follow Your example and speak the truth in love, always seeking to restore and bring new life. May my words not just add to a conversation but be the right thing at the right time.
PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for calling me and others to be “encouragers.” May we follow Your example and speak the truth in love, always seeking to restore and bring new life. May my words not just add to a conversation but be the right thing at the right time.
Live every day, seeking to encourage others with everyday encouragement.
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