Walk Of Life – Day 25, October 2021 – Thoughts From The Book Of Proverbs – Opt For!
Opt To speak Fitly
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25: 11
King Solomon praised good speech in this proverb by comparing it to an exquisite scene. Here is a simple simile, a figure of speech of comparison. It is identified by the word “like.” Apples, gold, pictures, and silver are not the real subject matter of the proverb. They only have comparative value taken together as a beautiful setting. Proper speech is praised and recommended by comparing and likening it to their combined beauty.
Right words used the right way at the right time are wonderful.
“Your words have power. Speak words that are kind, loving, positive, uplifting, encouraging, and life-giving.” -Unknown
Words: conversation and often idle chatter that flows forth from our mouth. Words, though, hold great power and can have a positive or negative effect on others.
In today’s’ proverb we find Solomon comparing well-spoken words, given at the proper moment, as a bejeweled golden apple. He also compares a word of corrective criticism or admonition as a piece of fine jewelry. In other words, the right word given at the right time is a fine treasure.
How did Jesus Christ speak? Most beautifully! The synagogue at Nazareth could not believe it (Luke 4:22); Mary could not get enough of it (Luke 10:39); His enemies praised it (Jn 7:46); His beautiful tongue and choice of words had been foretold long before (Is 50:4). Delight in His words as recorded in the Bible, and copy them as well. “A well-spoken word at just the right moment is like golden apples in settings of silver. To an attentive ear, constructive criticism from a truly wise person is like an earring or jewelry made of fine gold.” -(VOICE)
Solomon tells us that a bit of advice given at the right moment is much , like a golden apple with settings of silver, beautiful. In other words it is something to be treasured. How do we know what is the right thing to say and when to say it? That is the question of the day.
“Timely advice is as lovely as gold apples in a silver basket. It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.” -(TLB)
If only we would think before we opened our mouths. We would keep ourselves out of a whole lot of trouble. Having and using godly wisdom can help us in this area. Listening to and obeying the guidance of the Holy Spirit is also very important when it comes to knowing the right thing to say and when to say it.
We could glean a few things from this bit of advice that Paul gave to the Colossians. He said:
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” ~Mother Teresa
