February 26

Have you ever pondered the old adage, “If you don’t have something good to say, don’t say anything”? If you’re like most of us, you don’t employ the sound advice contained within that admonition nearly enough. If anything, we’re far too quick to expound upon topics about which we have no authority to speak.

Our intentions may be good. Giving ourselves the benefit of the doubt we can say our only purpose in dispensing our point of view is to benefit the hearer through the wisdom we feel we have. Sometimes, we actually have a viable point to make—but if we convey it at the wrong moment, it loses its punch.

To assure that our words produce the desired impact we must follow the principle found in Proverbs 8:6 which says, “I will open my mouth and speak excellent things; the opening of my lips shall be for right things.” The Lord has further told us that there is a “time to speak and a time to keep silence,” Ecclesiastes 3:7, and it is incumbent upon us that we discern that time wisely.

Certainly, if our only purpose is to elevate ourselves in our own estimation, to behold ourselves in a lofty position in our own eyes, it hardly matters when we dispense the counsel we feel welling up within us, but if our purpose is to draw others to the Savior through our witness of His love and salvation, then we must implement His Word in His way. His way results in His will being accomplished.