Wisdom Speaks Aptly

Jeanie Shaw

It happened to me yesterday and again today. In fact, few days go by without someone telling me something like this:

Wyndham believed in me, and his words gave me vision to see myself as God sees me, not how I see myself.  When I didn’t believe in myself, his directed and encouraging words (full of vision for me) changed my life.

They tell me what he said, when he said it, and how this has affected their lives.

Wisdom knows the power of words aptly spoken.

  A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
 Like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the spirit of his masters. (Proverbs 25:11-13)

While most of us can remember words that damaged, fortunately we also remember specific words that gave us courage to keep going and faith to believe what we couldn’t see. Words that reminded us of our value to God and to others.

I watch and learn as I hear Wyndham continually look into people’s eyes and offer them vision and hope for their lives. He tells them ways God can use them to make a difference in this world—and that they are needed. I hear him give loving correction when needed, yet these words also end with vision and hope.

I get busy—and must remind myself to have these conversations. I have good intentions and think these things about others, but thinking them and taking the time to express them are two different things. Truth is, these conversations take consideration and deliberateness. After awhile, they will more naturally flow from our mouths. When I take the time to think though who, when, and how to encourage, as the Scripture below states, it really does make a difference. I know it does for me.  I am motivated toward love and good deeds when I’m encouraged.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25-26)

This Scripture tells me I need to do this more and more! There is also more that’s needed than just “showing up” (though that’s a great start as we surely can’t have these conversations without being with each other). God wants us to encourage each other while meeting together!

So, beginning today, on this particular “Wednesday of Wisdom with Wyndham,” join me in being deliberate with someone—taking time to encourage them in a specific and meaningful way.  Not only will you be wiser, but these words aptly spoken may change a life for the better.