Together in Christ: 'Saying the Right Thing at the Right Time' — Proverbs 15:23

The Bible uses the word "time" in various ways and has different words in both Hebrew and Greek for some of the different ways. Today, we'll look at two of the Greek nouns translated as "time":

1. Chronos is a rather general word for "time." It is used for linear, sequential time ^[1] and periods of time. ^[2] It is the root of the English words chronometer and chronology.
2. Kairos is usually more specific, referring to a particular moment in time or a particular period of time. ^[3] It is also used for time that is divinely apt, a perfect moment or period in time for something eternal to be said or some epoch-changing event to happen. ^[4]

Interestingly, some modification can be added to the general term (chronos) to use it in the same sense as a divinely appointed kairos time. We see this kind of usage reflected in Paul's words "the right [chronos] time," literally "the fullness of time," written to the Galatians:

But when the right time [the fullness of time] came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. ^[5]

Our relationship proverb for today reminds us that we want to listen and reply to those around us with words that are suitable for kairos blessing — "a fitting reply" and saying "the right thing at the right time." Jesus wants us to be salt to our flavorless and offensive world of decay and to be light to our world of growing darkness. ^[6] When we listen to others, then prayer-pause to ask God for wisdom in how best to respond, Jesus can use our words to bless, heal, and redeem what might otherwise be a messy, hurtful, or confusing conversation. When we respond this way, ^[7] our words bring joy to us and a kairos blessing to the person with whom we speak!