All of us know that there are proper times to do and say certain things. For example, if we are gardeners, we know that peas and lettuce should be planted in the early spring. If we are attending a funeral, we are aware of the fact that it is no time to laugh. If a family member is unreasonably angry with us and thinks we don't care for him at all, it may be the time to put our arms around him and assure him of our love.

 

Words and actions have their proper times, and that is part of the Wisdom teaching that comes to us from the book of Ecclesiastes. Especially, says Wisdom tradition, is there an appropriate time to keep silence or to say just the right word (v. 7; cf. Proverbs 15:23; 25:11). I think we all know of times when the right word said at the right time has lent enormous comfort…