Proverbs 15:23 says,
“A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!”
There is something almost musical about the right words spoken at the right moment. They land softly, settle deeply, and stay with us long after the conversation ends.
Most of us have tried to come up with clever replies. I used to use a humorous line whenever someone asked if I was good at something. If they said, “Do you like to shoot pool?” I would grin and say, “I haven’t played since I lost the Texas State Championship two years ago.” It didn’t matter what the activity was. That was my go-to answer. It got a laugh. Clever words might entertain, but timely words can heal.
In John 8, Jesus gave a perfect word. A woman caught in adultery was thrown down before Him. The crowd demanded judgment. Jesus simply said, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” With one sentence, pride was silenced. Stones fell from angry hands. One by one, they walked away.
Then Jesus spoke again, but not to the crowd. His second word was just for her. “Go. From now on sin no more.” No lecture. No shame. Just a gentle invitation to begin again.
Maybe you need that word today. You cannot rewrite yesterday, but with Jesus you can start a new chapter. Go, and sin no more.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.