Vol. 17 No. 40 | October 6, 2014
Solomon’s words are speaking to me today: “Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.” (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10, NIV)
A thought enters the mind. The thought longs to be expressed. The thought needs to be expressed. For the writer, the teacher, and the communicator, for the thought to not be expressed would be disastrous. It is not an option. The thought must be expressed, but it must be expressed appropriately. Thus, the search for “just the right words.”
When you are writing a friend wanting to provide words of encouragement and words that offer hope you search for “just the right words.”
When you are teaching a child to share his toys you search for “just the right words.”
When you are explaining death to a child you search for “just the right words.”
When you are trying to apologize you search for “just the right words.”
When you are responding to an apology you search for “just the right words.”
When you are making a special request you search for “just the right words.”
When you are saying goodbye you search for “just the right words.”
When you are expressing your love you search for “just the right words.”
When you are expressing your disappointment you search for “just the right words.”
When you are you receive an extravagant gift you search for “just the right words” to express your appreciation.
When pain is deep and real you search for “just the right words.”
When the message is vitally important you search for “just the right words.”
When delivering bad news you search for “just the right words.”
When speaking truth you search for “just the right words.”
And I suppose when you are speaking lies you also search for “just the right words.”
When your heart is broken you search for “just the right words.”
When your heart is bursting with joy you search for “just the right words.”
When you are confused you search for “just the right words.”
When your confusion clears you search for “just the right words.”
When responding to criticism you search for “just the right words.”
When offering “constructive criticism” you search for “just the right words.”
When you are speaking to a counselor you search for “just the right words.”
When the counselor responds to your pain she searches for “just the right words.”
When you are speaking of a dear and departed loved one you search for “just the right words.”
The text from Ecclesiastes continues, “The words of the wise prod us to live well. They’re like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd.” (12:11, The Message)
I never cease to be amazed when I ask the one Shepherd for “just the right words” how He provides them.
I never cease to be amazed when I need someone else to speak “just the right words” to me, for me, or over me, the one Shepherd provides them.
Maybe you are searching for “just the right words” to explain to someone what you are feeling, to express to the one Shepherd how you are hurting, or to sort things out in your own mind. He will provide if you will ask.
Maybe you are searching for “just the right words” as you confront a friend, deal with a problem, or offer advice. He will provide if you will ask.
Remember all the times someone was wise enough to “search for just the right words” before they confronted you, corrected you, encouraged you, or expressed their appreciation for you. He will help you do the same.
The wise man said, “What he wrote was upright and true.”
With the help of the one Shepherd the same might be said of you. Before you shoot off your mouth, send that email, or mail your love letter take a moment to search for “just the right words.” You will not regret it.
Tom
© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.