“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Proverbs 15:23)

Have you noticed an emerging trend where people write things on social media, in an email or a text message, that would be hard for them to say in person? Their written conversations are curt, rude, arrogant, and evil, with no regard for common courtesy. Scripture warns us that evil words come from an evil heart and dishonor the person who writes or speaks them (Matthew 15:18). This daily devotional ponders how to respond appropriately at all times.                                            

In Season and Out of Season

According to the Lexham Figurative Language of the New Testament, the phrase, “in season and out of season,” means doing something at all times. Today’s Scripture, Proverbs 15:23, urges us to give appropriate responses in all our communications.

A Heart for God:

To write the way we talk is a good and pleasant thing (unless you are naturally bad-mannered). It includes making our responses respectful and caring, and watching our language. Under no circumstances is it okay to use dirty or crude words—no matter how offensive or crass someone else may be.

The Biblical response is to speak and write from a sincere heart as clearly and objectively as possible. Then, our communications will be a joy to us as well as a proper word in season!

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I want the words I write to come from a pure and sincere heart. Please make my communications appropriate at all times.