1. For men who would be leaders (1-7)

God has hidden secrets; a leader must search out the deep things of God. A real leader is lonely, for he must keep many secrets in his heart. It is his business to know what is going on among his people and in his world. A leader is established in righteousness (3-5). We should have humble hearts before God and before the men he has established as our leaders (6-7).

2. An apt word (8-28)

Sometimes it is wiser to be silent (8-10). A rebuke is sometimes the most apt and appropriate word (11,12). The Lord wants trustworthy messengers who will deliver his message clearly (13). False testimony kills truth and destroys character. It is not fitting to sing joyful songs to one who has a heavy heart. Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. We should love enemies for Jesus' sake (21,22), but we should not give in to them--and become like a polluted well (26).

Application: Lord, give me a humble heart so that the words I speak may be apt words. Help me to tell the good news of Jesus.
One Word: Speak apt words