Wednesday 25 March 2020

Proverbs 25.11

• A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (ESV)
• Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. (TLV)
• The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver. (CEV)
• An idea well-expressed is like a design of gold, set in silver. (GNT)

We have been in isolation for a week. But isolation doesn’t stop us from talking. Even when you are all alone, you still talk. Perhaps to the wall! Your self! To God! I am actually talking to you each morning. Mainly we use words to talk. Artists talk with their creative drawings or beautiful sculptures or carvings. Today, the wise man uses both words and art to bring out the importance of using words appropriately. He said that words spoken wisely and appropriately are like a beautiful golden apple set in an intricately crafted silver tray. The term translated “fitly” from Hebrew means “wheels.” It can mean “word spoken on his wheels,” which means a word that rolled smoothly and pleasantly from the lips of the speaker to the ears of the hearers. Before wheels were invented, the horse cart had no wheels. The things were dragged along on two long poles. There were no roads. The two ends of the poles, of the so-called cart, often left behind two deep ruts on the ground after running over it. We have smooth wheels that leave no ruts on the roads. Our words should flow out smoothly like easy-going wheels. Words that made no deep cuts of hurt and pain in the heart ground of the hearers. J Brown says, “Words. So powerful. They can crush a heart, or heal it, or liberate it. They can shatter dreams, or energize them. They can obstruct, or invite it. They can create defences, or melt them. We have to use words wisely.”

We are grateful to the Words of God, the Bible. The truth of the Bible speaks to our hearts, it has the capacity to heal, restore, refresh, and give peace and comfort to us. “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Pro. 16.24)

May our words always be constructive, positive, building up and encouraging each other. There are many wounded and painful souls. They need a healing word from the Word of God. May the Holy Spirit give us “a word or a message fitly spoken” to those desperately needing to hear from you.

Prayer for today

Proverbs 15.23 (MSG)

“Congenial conversation – what a pleasure! The right word at the right time – beautiful.”

Father, you know the exact words, even the number of words we have spoken today. Forgive us for words that we have uttered carelessly and thoughtlessly. Help us to be sensitive to those who need a caring word or an encouraging word. Help us not just be interested in our own interest but also in the interests of others.

We pray for our church, that the preachers will be able to declare your timeless Word in a timely manner for your hungry flock.

We pray for all our families during this lockout time. Helps us to enjoy each other by being kind in our words and our manners. We pray you will remove the invisible wall of unforgiveness. Father, remove this wall of disunity in our home/ church. Lord, grant us your grace to enable us to live in peace and harmony.

Father, we plead with you for the healing of dear brother James Wong in SG Buloh hospital. Also for his wife Joyce, and children Jade and Jo Haan. Give them your comfort, peace and rest.

We pray for others who are exposed to the Coronavirus too, that you will give them deliverance.

Father, give us timely words so that we can build each other up.

We pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Pastor Isaac Yim