Day 621: Apples of gold - Proverbs 25 vs 8 - 15

8 What your eyes have seen - do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbour puts you to shame? 9-10 Argue your case with your neighbour himself, and do not reveal another's secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,  and your ill repute have no end.

11-12 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring, or an ornament of gold, is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13-14 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who  boasts of a gift he does not give. 15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone. Proverbs 25:8-15 (English Standard Version)

What does the phrase 'apples of gold in settings of silver' in vs 11 make you think of?

It's obviously a reference to something attractive. It could be decorative artwork that was seen in a palace, or a beautiful ornament worn by a woman. And, says the writer, that's how lovely words are that were well chosen, and suitable for a situation. Even when they've been words of reproof that someone needed to hear! When King David thought about all of God's words which He had spoken to Israel over the years through His prophets, he said: “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:10-11)

While much of our daily conversation will probably be fairly routine, there are times when what we speak about, and how we say it, can either be attractive and helpful, or ugly and hurtful. What are some hurtful type of words he warns against in vs 8-10?

While it’s a warning of not being in a hurry to take people to court, I'd say it was also a warning to not be people who show the 'dirty laundry' of others. God's people should never be gossips and tale bearers. One practical reason is because what we do to others might be done to us. He says that it's better to sort out issues privately than to make a public issue out of it. The apostle Paul said something similar to Christians at Corinth. He wrote: “Why do you go to court when you have something against another Christian? You are asking people who are not Christians to judge who is guilty. You should go to those who belong to Christ and ask them.” (1 Corinthians :1)

What can we learn about these 'apples of gold in settings of silver' type of words from vs 13-14?

Our words must always be trustworthy. Just as a servant faithfully delivered the message his master entrusted him with, so we should be known for honesty. And not only should we be honest in everyday relationships, but we should also be honest in conversations we have when the subject is about God's word, and about the Lord Jesus Christ. We must be faithful in telling people the full message. We must also not be people who make promises we don't intend keeping, or whose words are full of self.

One more thought, what does vs 15 teach about the words we use?

Gentle persuasion with wise words will accomplish far more than angry words and aggressive actions. Many a stubborn and obstinate person can be won over with fitly spoken words. In short, our words should not run down the reputation of others and we should sort problems out privately as far as we possibly can. Our words must also be reliable, and gently persuasive rather than words of aggression. That's the sort of speech that is like apples of gold in settings of silver.