A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Proverbs 25:11, 18-20


11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow
is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.
19 Like a broken tooth or a lame foot
is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.
20 Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,
or like vinegar poured on a wound,
is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.



Today’s title is “Apple of Golds in the settings of Silver”



There is an old saying that goes something like this. "A short dagger kills better". It basically means a short word that is to the point persuade the audience much better. How true? As a preacher, I often heard similar responses from the church members. So I tried to be short and to the point with my sermons. That wasn't easy. I admire those people who are very short and witty in their expression. The words and phrases used in the book of proverbs are superb and excellent in that regard. The expressions are mostly short, to the point, and witty. It is profound and compassionate at the same time.

You can see how wise and witty our God is from these expressions. Today's Bible verses are good examples of such divine wittiness. As you read each verse, you will probably smile softly. That's what I do whenever I read these verses. It's just a wonderful witty expression with great life lessons. Don't you love God who can talk like this? He is just really a great writer and divine comedian. Today's verses might look separated from each other at first sight. But I believe there is one common theme that goes through all of these verses. That is "thoughtfulness and appropriateness of words and actions". This is a very practical lesson of life that we should remember all the time. Good words are good. But if it is not said in appropriate manner and time, they have no impacts. Our actions also need to be thoughtful and appropriate. We can't just say that we meant good with thoughtless and inappropriate actions. That just isn't a wise thing to do. I have seen so many people who are suffering from thoughtless actions. I have made many such mistakes too. I should have read more and paid more attention to what Proverbs said. How about you my beloved? We are all inclined to say and do what we feel is right without deep considerations on its appropriateness. If you heed to what God says in these verses, you will not only gain respect with the works you do but also save a lot of unnecessary troubles. That's what God wants for you. Keep your apple of gold in the settings of silver. You will save a lot of trouble. You will earn much greater fruits. You will glorify God far greater. Amen!