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Read Proverbs 25

Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.

Proverbs 25:11

Timing is almost as important as truth when it comes to advice. Hindsight may have the reputation for perfect vision, but it arrives too late to prevent a disaster. Even the best advice, given at the wrong time, may not be recognized. Timely advice is a lovely package with contents that we really need.

Effective counsel arrives at the right time. It is neither so early that it is forgotten when needed nor too late to be useful. The timing of advice is as much the evidence of wisdom as the contents of advice. Anyone can say, “Be careful,” after their friend has already stubbed his toe. Timely advice says, “The last time I traveled this path, there were some roots that tripped me up. Let’s be careful.” Both statements are good advice, but timing makes the second one lovely.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Accept God’s timing.

Dear Lord, I know that learning your wisdom is my responsibility, but I want to consciously depend on you for timing when I share it with anyone else.