Good Advice- Right Timing

Proverbs 15:23 TLB
“Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right time!”

I typically try to read the room when speaking to someone. What is their mood, attitude, and receptivity, and of course, what is my ability to speak at the right time and listen intently? Often, people do not want advice, they want us to be silent and listen to them. Often times people seek advice, but they are not always receptive to the advice we give.

In those times, this Proverb rings true; “how wonderful it is to be able to say the right thing at the right.” How do we do that? Receptivity can be seen just in the beginning part of the conversation. Are they really listening to what we say? Are we really listening to the intent of their words and heart as they speak? People often speak their feelings, and we have a tendency to respond in kind.

I was told by a person lately that I do not talk much. I think I talk too much at times, but I read the room by listening. I get insight to where the other person is in their life before opening my mouth. It is at these times we should be ready for the Lord to use us. The Holy Spirit will give us the words we need to express and the proper timing in which to say what needs to be said.

I know what a few are thinking, “then we would need to be silent more often and I cannot do that.” For us all, my best advice is to take this Proverb to heart.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me to hold my tongue and wait for the right words at the right time. Help me to wait for the Holy Spirit to lead me. Anoint me to speak in the proper time with the proper attitude. In Your name Lord Jesus, Amen