The Right Words at the Right Time…

by Jeremy Harrell

Over the past few weeks we have been examining Proverbs chapter 25.  This chapter is part of the collection of Proverbs of Solomon that were collected under the instruction of King Hezekiah.  This collection includes (Proverbs 25:1 – Proverbs 29:27).  These also were written by Solomon yet collected under the supervision of Hezekiah king of Judah – some 270 years after Solomon’s death.  We have come to verses 11-12:

“¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold
In settings of silver.
¹² Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.”

With this maxim, Solomon stressed the importance of good counsel.  The idea here is something that has been etched, sculpted, or engraved in silver. Well-spoken words have attractive and valuable qualities because skill and artistry have gone into fashioning them.  Here, the “apples of gold in settings of silver” are the right words spoken at the right time and in the right way.  Words fitly spoken can cheer a person dealing with the issues of life.  At times we get so wrapped up in our own situations that we fail to see that others need those precious words that encourage them through difficult times.

A word fitly spoken will give grace to the hearer and be attractive, pleasant, desirable, and full of God’s wisdom.