Day 7 – Why are our words compared to apples of gold?
~Proverbs 25:1 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Don’t you love Solomon’s style of writing? Can you just picture in your mind’s eye what apples of gold in pictures of silver look like? No matter what it looks like, it appears “regal.” But what’s the true meaning behind it? How can our words be compared to apples of gold?
The whole point of this Proverb is to bring your attention to a word that is fitly spoken and its value – words that are spoken at the right time. These apples apparently have much value in God’s eyes and, therefore, must be referencing valuable words. I believe these valuable words reference the Christian who guards his tongue and makes sure that he always has the words of hope and kindness ready for all to hear.
There are surely various scenarios in life but each requires that words be fitly spoken. The first scenario I think of is during an argument.
~Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
I’m sure you’ll agree that this soft answer qualified as a word fitly spoken. Speaking kindness also qualifies in this category.
~Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
How about speaking the blessed Gospel to the lost? Oh, how fitly spoken are they?
~1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
But wherever you see something referencing what God loves, you don’t have to go too far in your reading before you find what the world loves. The world’s apples are quite the opposite. The wicked are known for their tongue.
~Proverbs 50:19 Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
~Psalm 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.
~Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Where do your words fit? Are they apples of gold or apples with worms? As disgusting as that sounds, I’m sure our Heavenly Father looks upon His children’s unfit words much in the same way.
Which would you rather be known for? Someone who spoke kind and uplifting words which the Lord likens to apples of gold? Or someone whose words are unkind, venomous, and filled with worms? We have the words of life for a dying and lost world. We have the words that change lives for those who are going in the wrong direction. This is an awesome responsibility and one not to be taken lightly.
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