Joy and Goodness: Products of our Mouths
The wise man Solomon wrote: "A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!" (Proverbs 15:23). Solomon's words are encouraging to each of us as they remind us of the great power of our tongues and how we get to choose whether we use them for good or for ill. If we make the decision to speak good, be positive, and work to affect others for good with our words, this man of wisdom tells us that we bring both joy and goodness to those in the world and to each other.
There are countless reasons we can think of to be overjoyed. When we're little, receiving a surprise gift from our parents makes us excited. Getting married or having children are some of the times when we're the happiest. Witnessing someone we care about being baptized to have his sins washed away brings us to tears that are the result of indescribable joy. It's important to be aware of the power of our words and that our "answers" can bring joy to others' lives. A word of encouragement to someone who has had a rough week goes a long way in making his next week better. Telling others how much they mean to you and how they encourage you is instrumental in building each other up. And talking with someone about our Savior, inviting them to worship with you, and encouraging them to be more spiritually minded are truly rewarding experiences that bring us to joy.
Our words also lead to goodness and especially, our good words which are spoken in "due season." Saying the right things is important. But saying the right things at the right times is more important. And let's face it, we don't always know when those times are! God, through His own wonderful wisdom, is able to help us, guide us, and use us for good. Christians are notorious for their humility (and that's good!) and often say they don't have lots of talents or abilities to "really" help others. Solomon's words, however, serve as an important reminder to each and every child of God that no matter what we think our talents are or are not, we are all capable of using our words to help others at key times in their lives. It's important that Christians maintain their God-commanded humility. It's equally important that each of us remember the powerful products of our words and take advantage of every opportunity to bring joy and goodness to a world often filled with sadness and evil.