Always saying the right thing at the right moment is difficult, but very rewarding. We do not always have the right words, and we do not always phrase our words just right. The Bible tells us that a word “fitly spoken” is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11). That is a precious commodity.

Even more difficult, however, is to remain silent instead of speaking the wrong words at a tempting moment. We are tempted to say things at times in retaliation—things that we feel are justified. In the heat of battle or emotion, we may say the wrong thing and regret it later. It is difficult to place a zipper on our lips because it is much easier to say the first thing that comes to mind. That’s where self-control enters. The one who masters this facet of communication is rare; you can be that one.