Today's Reading: Proverbs 25:6-14

Daily Lectionary: Malachi 3:6-4:6; Matthew 4:12-25

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. A word fitly spoken, depending on the price of gold and the size of your apple, is worth somewhere around $10,000. The average person uses about 7,000 words in a day. If these were all fitly spoken, you'd be raking in $70,000,000 a day. What makes such words so valuable?

Fitly spoken words are so valuable because, like gold, they are rare. Unfortunately, I let my words run to and fro without much concern about whom they reach or what they do. "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me" just isn't true. Words can hurt, and even kill. Hurtful, slanderous, and murderous words are everywhere. Certainly they have come to you as well. You've also unleashed your own unfitly spoken words, too.

Yet, the good words do come. Words of blessing and benediction flow from the mouth of the Lord, given through the Church, and your pastor. These words are worth more than their weight. They are worth everything. Hold onto them. Remember them. Speak them. These words are given to you in abundance, but sometimes are silenced and drowned by the carelessly spoken words which surround you. These valuable words will give you life. Remember, the Lord spoke creation into existence by a Word, and by a Word, He gives you life.

The Lord's words do what they say. When the Lord says that you are forgiven, this means that you are forgiven. When the Lord places His Name upon you in Holy Baptism, this means that you are His. When the Lord says "This is my Body which is given for you," that means that He really is given, all for you.

Talk is cheap and our words seem to carry little value. It is the Lord's words that are so valuable, which is why the Lord's words spoken through the Church are treasured above all things. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, Who has spoken creation into existence, Who speaks to us even today; guard our tongues against slanderous and hurtful words. Speak into us a love for Your words, which are more precious than silver and gold. Give us ears to receive Your glorious life giving words, which alone are spoken fitly. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Your incarnate Word, Amen.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Duane Bamsch