A Word Fitly Spoken

Most managers, parents and teammates think they appreciate people well. Then they find out the person they thanked didn’t feel thanked at all. One person lights up when you ask about their ideas. Another feels valued when you notice the extra hour they put in. A gift card means a lot to one and nothing to the next.

Scripture treats good words as something crafted with care. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Fitly spoken means fitted: the right word, at the right time, for the right person.

Paul tells believers to “Render therefore to all their dues… honour to whom honour.” Honour is something we owe. Giving it well is part of loving the people we work with.

So pay attention this week. Ask the people around you what makes them feel valued, then give it in a way they can actually receive. Sometimes the greatest honour is putting someone in the work they were made for, and telling them you see it.