From the Elder's Pen TIMELY WORDS Past/Future Articles

    “A word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Prov. 15:23.  Words are some of the most powerful influences in our lives.  They have the power to motivate, inspire, encourage, or they have the power to retard, depress, and destroy.  Words can be tools for the devil or the Lord.  The Bible is filled with admonitions to use words for righteousness, and in teaching the lost to be saved.  In the words of Solomon, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 15:11).   Likewise, we are warned against lying, cursing, blaspheming, gossiping, talebearing, backbiting, and swearing.

    But what is meant by “a word spoken in due season?”  There are times in our lives when various types of words are needed.  For example, words of warning may be needed.   When we see our fellow man in great physical danger, we feel the need to cry out, but are we as anxious to warn those lost in sin?  Jesus spent his ministry warning people of the danger of being lost and even gave his life to make salvation possible.  b.b. bristow

    The main purpose of preaching the gospel is to speak words whereby those that are lost can be saved.  As Paul told Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

    Words spoken in due season are words that are fitly, and truthfully spoken regardless of the situation.  Our strength is shown in the things that we stand for.  Our weakness is shown in the things that we fall for.