Proverbs 15:23 “A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word.”

There is delight in a “timely word” — both for the one receiving it, AND for the one who gives it.  There is a joy in being able to say something which answers a question or helps someone, just when they needed it.  But some things are necessary for that joy to be yours:

1)  You must know God’s truth to be able to share it.   “Thy word is truth”, Jesus said in John 17.  “Apt answers” come from much time in God’s word, gaining His wisdom.  Your “timely words” will generally be derived from the “overflow” of your personal time in scripture. 

2) You must be in relationship with people to be able to share with them.  You aren’t going to be able to get the joy of sharing an “apt answer” if you aren’t around people to share that apt answer with!  And people aren’t going to listen to you if you don’t have a good relationship with them.  Put yourself in a position to minister to others: join or lead a Bible study, prove yourself a person who cares for others, and they will be open to listening to the wisdom you have to share with them.

3) If you are really going to speak a “timely” word, you must also have more than just the “knowledge” of what to say, and people to say it to; you must have the wisdom of how and especially WHEN to share that knowledge.  By definition, a “timely” word must be shared at JUST the right time and place.  Many people share the “right” thing – but at an untimely occasion.  To have a beneficial impact, you must share the right thing at the right time, when the word will be received by those you are speaking to.  There is no joy when the right word is spoken at the wrong time!  You must learn discretion: WHEN to say the right thing can be as important as having the right thing to say!  This ability comes from sensitivity to the Spirit of God as you deal with people.  If you think you have something to say to someone, you need to ask the Lord: “Is THIS the right time to say it — or would another occasion be better suited for it?” 

But if you will spend time learning Gods truth, build relationships with people, and be sensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit for the timing of what you say, you can know the delight that comes from sharing “a timely word.”