A person finds joy in giving an apt reply–and how good is a timely word! – Proverbs 15:23 (NIV)
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it! – Proverbs 15:23 (KJV)
52 Proverbs in 52 Weeks – Week 50
This week’s theme: God’s Life Hacks, simple Biblical truths to increase the fruitfulness and happiness of our lives.
God’s Life Hack: Say Good Things
Whether it’s wise advice or an encouraging word, the things we say have the power to bring joy.
This week’s verse highlights two ways our words can bring happiness. First, it actually makes us feel good when we help others. Again, whether it’s wise advice about a difficult decision or just some encouraging words, providing “an apt reply” is a way to be a blessing to other people. Multiple scientific studies have shown that our bodies actually have a positive physiological response when we do nice things for others. We get a boost of endorphins — hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system — and the parts of our brain associated with pleasure and rewards see increased activity. In other words, it physically and mentally makes us feel good when we do nice things for the people around us. Of course, Solomon told us that almost 3,000 years ago in Proverbs 15:23…
Second, good words offered at just the right time are precious. A kind word when someone is going through a particularly tough time. A key piece of advice or wisdom when a friend is struggling with a hard decision. Those are times when the things we say have great power to lift spirits. We must make sure we don’t miss such opportunities to be a blessing to others!
Our previous two life hacks encouraged us to seek out and listen to Godly advice. This week’s verse is about giving rather than receiving. May our words of advice and encouragement be timely and bring joy.
Here’s a link to more verse posts on God’s Life Hacks.
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