Proverbs 25:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

NIV: Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.

NASB: Like apples of gold in settings of silver, Is a word spoken at the proper time.

CSB: A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.

NLT: Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.

KJV: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

NKJV: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.

Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) speaks of the tremendous value of wise words offered at the right time. This echoes other proverbs (Proverbs 12:25; 15:23) which follow the same thought process. The comparison here is to an ornate object made with precious metals. The following proverb (Proverbs 25:12) gives essentially the same teaching, with an emphasis on correction.

A well-chosen word may communicate support and agreement. It may also bring necessary rebuke. Or it may bring comfort, exhortation, guidance, or encouragement. The apostle Paul writes, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16). In Colossians 4:6 he writes: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." The apostle Peter writes a similar exhortation in 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."

Proverbs 25:11–14 includes four comparisons. These use vivid imagery to explain how others react to certain kinds of people. In this passage, descriptions are given of those who speak wise words, who faithfully deliver a message, and those who brag about things they haven't done.

This chapter includes more statements from Solomon, copied by scribes of King Hezekiah many years later. The first section speaks about the risks of arrogance. The next gives comparisons which teach spiritual lessons. The last segment teaches about relationships, reputation, and self-control.

Chapter 25 begins to relate more wise statements from Solomon. Depending on where they are divided or combined, these amount to around one hundred portions of godly wisdom. These were compiled and added about 250 years after Solomon's reign by men under the direction of King Hezekiah. The phrasing used in verse 1 suggests these were copied from other records into the scrolls associated with the prior proverbs. This collection runs through the end of chapter 29.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/5/2024 5:45:49 AM