Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. The comparison here has undoubtedly an allusion to some old domestic ornament. "The idea," says Stuart, "is that of a garment of precious stuff, on which are embroidered golden apples among picture work of silver. Costly and precious was such a garment held to be: for besides the ornaments upon it, the material itself was of high value." Others think that the allusion is to a kind of table ornament, constructed of a silver basket of delicate lattice-work, containing gold in the form of apples. The basket would, of course, be so constructed as to show off with advantage its precious treasure, the apple of gold. The ancient Easterns were men of taste and men of art; they loved the beautiful, and they had their ornaments: and some of their ornaments were as exquisitely constructed as those of any scenes or times. I. Words fitly spoken must be words fitted TO EXHIBIT THE TRUTH TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE. They must be to the truth what the basket was to the apples of gold — an instrument for showing them off to the best advantage. There are words that hide the truth; they are so profuse and luxuriant that they bury the priceless flower in their wilderness. There are words that disgrace the truth; they are ill-chosen, mean, suggestive of low and degrading associations. II. Words fitly spoken must be words ADAPTED TO THE MENTAL MOOD OF THE HEARER. 1. Different men have different mental moods. Some are naturally sombre, imaginative, and practical; others are gay, poetic, and speculative. Words fitly spoken must be adapted to each particular mood: the form in which truth would suit one mood would be inapt to another. 2. The same man has different moods at different times. Circumstances modify the condition of the soul. Hence "a word fitly spoken" must be a word presenting truth adapted to the soul in its existing mood. It must be a word in due season. III. Words fitly spoken should be words SPOKEN IN THE RIGHT SPIRIT. IV. NATURALLY-FLOWING WORDS. "Spoken upon his wheels." Not forced or dragged words. Let us all endeavour to use the right words in the family, in the market, in the schools, in the debate, in the pulpit, on the platform, and in the press. (D. Thomas, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.WEB: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. |
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