Words Fittly Spoken by M. E. Bodwell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 9, 1916

“Words Fittly Spoken”

By M. E. Bodwell

MRS. M. E. BODWELL

FRIDAY was usually a busy day for the Eldridge family, but this particular Friday gave evidence at early dawn that strenuous times were ahead. Before the early breakfast was served, however, the head of the family read a few verses of Scripture for morning worship, and in a short prayer thanked God for the blessings of the past, and pleaded a renewal of his mercies.

Breakfast over, the family scattered. The husband and father went forth to battle with the stern realities of life, leaving to his companion the petty, yet none the less perplexing, problems of the home.

The water supply had been cut off in the midst of the week, thus delaying the family wash, and the clothes must be put out, dried, and ironed without fail today. Then there were the usual baking and cleaning.

Noon brought the family home with their healthy appetites, but dinner was late. The morning work had not progressed rapidly. Two-year-old John, fretful over getting some of his last teeth, yet determined to do his “Friday cleaning,” had left a trail of ashes from the sitting room stove to the door of the kitchen, where Mrs. Eldridge was working in feverish haste. Added to this, a helpless invalid in the family had made trying demands upon her time and patience, and other confusing things had brought the household affairs into a state of congestion.

Through it all Mrs. Eldridge had maintained a quiet, cheerful attitude, doing the best she could. However, when an unfortunate accident occurred at the dinner table, it seemed as if things were at the breaking point. Then the husband, who apparently had not been disturbed by the delayed meal, looked up at his wife, and said with a depth of feeling in his voice, “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate what you are doing. You are such a comfort to me, and so kind to my father!” The wife did not answer, but her radiant face made sufficient reply.

The words were not much, but their effect was magical. They seemed to supply the lubricating oil necessary to the household machinery, proving again the truth of the beautiful proverb, “A word fittly spoken is like apples of gold in network of silver.” May God give us “the tongue of the learned,” that we may “know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.”

The afternoon work moved forward to a happy conclusion, and at sunset a peaceful family gathered to welcome the coming of the Sabbath. So often we wish for the key to heaven’s treasures of patience and love when the things of life fret us and annoy, but is it not hidden in communion with the Master, and loving service for those around us?

“O Master, let me walk with thee, In lowly paths of service free; Tell me thy secret, help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care. “Teach me thy patience; still with thee In closer, dearer company, In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, In trust that triumphs over wrong.”

Boulder, Colo.