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Johnny - July 6

"The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves, but a fool's heart blurts out folly... A person finds joy in giving an apt reply-and how good is a timely word! ... Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. (12:23, 15:23, 25:11)

The whole sections about kind, gentle, apt, and now timely words are quite timely indeed. Especially on this trip, I have found myself speaking out of turn or saying things with no intent of love or care but rather just to say them. I do this in other things as well. I find that I have a quick tongue and am quick to attack. Yet, when I need to say something I often don't. It's difficult to truly find the right words at the right time.

"A person finds joy in giving an apt reply and how good is a timely word!"

These words strike my heart very deeply. I've shared before how I went to a conference in Kansas City and found myself praying for those around me; saying things that I didn't even realize I was thinking and seeing the effect they had on those I prayed for. Saying those words were timely for those I prayed for, and really did make me feel good. But I wonder now, outside of an environment of a conference or on top of the mountain, that I can truly speak apt words out of love and care while in tune with the Holy Spirit, or if I'm just chasing some self-gratification. Whether I'm just saying all sorts of things to lift myself up by speaking out of turn. I realize, too, what may be said out of care, can be just as hurtful if it is said out of turn. There's an importance of not only the right words but the right time. I really pray that I can embrace all the aspects of the past few days. To not only be kind and gentle, but understanding, forthright, honest, and filled with apt words through the Holy Spirit. And truly, that I can say these words at the right time, not too late or not too early, but at the time that they are needed. That my words may be filled with true love and genuine concern and not for my own sake.

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