We must speak the truth to others, but sometimes it is not wise to speak too soon. The person may not be able to bear what we desire to say. So, sometimes it is better to wait and let God’s Spirit guide you to speak at the right time, so that your message will stand a chance of being received.

Even Jesus told his disciples who were grieving over his pending death, “There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can’t bear it now” (John 16:12 – NLT). Timing is everything. We should not blurt out the truth just because it’s in our mouth to say! We must consider the emotional state of the one who will hear it.

When people are grieving or struggling with bad news or heavy burdens, it may not be wise to bring them truth that will be hard for them to hear or that their minds cannot process then. Perhaps it is better to wait until they can gather their strength before speaking. Perhaps it is better not to speak at all.

God’s Spirit will guide your timing if you belong to him. Just don’t speak to soon. As James wrote, “Be SLOW to speak…” (James 1:19).