Daily Devotions
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11
Poor communication causes relationship problems. In the next several devotions we will identify communication barriers and seek ways to break them down.
A spouse comments, “We used to talk for hours about important things. We made so many exciting discoveries about each other. Now all we ever talk about is the weather, the children’s runny noses, and what we will eat for supper. Or we just sit in front of the television and never say anything.”
Surface Talk. A major problem in marriage and family relationships. How shallow, discouraging, and separating! We do the same thing in offices, at social engagements, and in churches. When surface talk serves to avoid more caring and honest communication, relationships deteriorate.
Proverbs suggests the wonderful potential for meaningful conversation: “The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out” (Proverbs 20:5). Proverbs also describes how to break through the surface talk: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Speaking the caring word and listening to the heart opens up new channels of communication.
Recognizing our selfish hearts and the rut of surface talk, we turn in repentance to our Father, who speaks to us at the deepest level of our being about the forgiving love of Jesus Christ, His Son, who gave Himself for us on the cross. Listening to His Word, we can listen to one another and speak words of deep caring. Surface talk no more.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to move beyond surface talk to share Your love with others in my life. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)