Joy Speakable and Full Of Glory

“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” (Pr 15:23 AV)

Communication is a funny thing.  We practice it for all sorts of reasons.  But how often do we share communication with the intent of bringing joy to our own hearts?  Not fleeting happiness.  I fear that is too often the case.  Rather, joy.  Not satisfaction.  Which, by the way, is another major reason we speak.  We wish to feel satisfaction.  Joy is the cause here.  Not affirmation.  Or a sense of accomplishment or self-worth.  Joy is our goal.  Our communication can have nefarious motives like pride.  Pride is the enemy of joy.  Joy is an interesting word.  It means, “mirth, gladness, gaiety, pleasure; exceeding gladness, glee.”  Webster’s 1828 dictionary puts it this way, “the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; the exhilaration of spirit; Gayety; mirth; festivity.”  Think of it this way.  We may be happy that someone listens to us and it is manifested by self-gratification or affirmation.  This feeling lasts but a fleeting moment.  On the other hand, our conversation lifts the spirits of another, or ministers to help them overcome a difficulty, then we have a feeling that lasts much longer.  There is a delight as opposed to satisfaction.  This should be the motive for our communication.  What effect did our words have on another will go a long way in determining the joy, or lack thereof, which follows?

The idea of appropriate comes to mind here.  Knowing what to say and when to say it, or, not to say anything at all.  That is the understanding of ‘due season’.  Just like the snow storm we had yesterday or the below freezing temperatures we are experiencing this week, words spoken out of their season are not the best words to speak.  Imagine two types of conversations.  The first elevates self.  It is self-aggrandizing.  Sort of when we try to one-up the other or try to share an experience relevant to the topic at hand.  We become the center of our own conversation.  Or, perhaps we ask questions or share remarks that lift others up.  It is a whole lot more joyous to walk away from a conversation knowing that you have blessed someone else’s heart than your own.  Charitable words.  Gracious words.  Rebuke or reproof can also be done in a way that brings inner joy.  Rather than expound on why we think someone is wrong, we can ask guiding questions so they arrive at the conclusion which we have already ascertained. 

I am grateful for the experiences which have taught me some of these communication skills.  I am no master.  I grew up in a culture that is known for their faux pas.  We tend to lose sight of people’s feelings far too late.  Something is blurted out that is as honest as the day is long, but not appropriate for the occasion.  No joy there.  Over the years, the LORD has exposed me to cultures that know how to communicate.  Almost to a fault.  It borders on the insincere.  But, the do seek to use their words, for the most part, as a means to be a blessing to another.  Yes, there is a lot of overcompensation and sincerity is often lost.  But it does tend to bless the ears of the hearers.  This is what brings joy to the heart of the speaker.  So, the question this morning is, what are we seeking when we communicate with others?  Are we seeking affirmation?  Do we share or minds out of pride?  Do we want to win an argument?  To we look out for our own interests first?  If so, these may make us happy.  But that cannot bring joy.  Only that which ministers grace to the hearer can bring joy to the speaker’s heart.