A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Some translations of Proverbs 25:11 say a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. That’s only one word different than the King James version. Which do you prefer?
Just like knowing which exact words are best, I had to have a few goes before I got what I think is the best picture effect here.
I don’t know which one you prefer. I like version #4 best -Gold apples set in silver really are beautiful!
More Proverbs
In the Easy English translation Proverbs 18:21 says Words are able to save life and cause death. So you must accept the result of what you say.
Let’s look at a few more proverbs:
In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise. Pro 10:19 In other words, don’t say too much. (Non-biblical, but also good: ‘Loose lips sink ships!’)
A soft answer turneth away wrath: But grievous words stir up anger. Pro 15:1 Sometimes it’s best to just shut up. Be careful what you do say, and… You catch more flies with honey.
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: But the words of the pure are pleasant words. Pro 15:26 All these apply to me as much as anyone else… I need to speak more pleasant words.
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Pro 16:24 Yep, exactly.
Speak not in the ears of a fool: For he will despise the wisdom of thy words. Pro 23:9 For sure.
Pro 24:26 Every man shall kiss his lips That giveth a right answer. – Or, as some translations say: An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. (Usually the opposite of what most most politicians say.)
The importance of words doesn’t end in Proverbs.
Christ’s Words – Life – and Bread
Scripture explicitly calls Jesus Christ “the Word” in John 1:1 and John 1:14, with a confirming title in Revelation 19:13
Key Scriptures John 1:1 — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:14 — “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” Revelation 19:13 — “His name is called The Word of God.”
There is a connection between ‘words,’ ‘life,’ and ‘bread‘ in the Bible.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which means House of Bread in Hebrew.
In John 6:35 Jesus said he was the bread of life. Also John 6:51.
Jesus had the words of eternal life. John 6:68.
Read Deuteronomy 8:3 and it essentially says that man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God – God’s words give life.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Mat 4:4.
Jesus is the bread of life.
This lesson is also in the story of Joseph, who was a type of Jesus, who saved the known world from famine. Gen 41:54 says that because of Joseph, the only bread available was where Joseph was, in Egypt. Later, in Gen 45:27 Joseph’s words revived his fathers spirit. There are many other parallels in this story.
The whole Bible ties together in so many ways.
Jesus’ Last Words
Jesus’ last direct words, in red, in my Red Letter Bible are: Surely I come quickly (Rev 22:20). The word ‘quickly’ can also be translated suddenly.
That’s in the last chapter of the last book of the New Testament. It echoes from the last book of the Old Testament covering the same subject: The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple. (Mal 3:1) — Malachi is a DUAL prophecy covering BOTH advents.
And that connection to Malachi 3 goes deeper still. Because the same chapter that promises the Lord’s sudden return also tackles one of the oldest complaints in Scripture — why do the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer? God doesn’t dodge the question. He answers it directly, and it starts with words.
“YOUR words have been arrogant against Me… You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God.'”
People ask, WHY do the wicked prosper, and the righteous suffer? This is a puzzle. But God explains it. This is how God makes jewels.
Then those who feared the Lord spoke often one to another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem His name. “They will be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “on the day when I make up my jewels.” So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.
In the end, the wicked will meet their doom, and God’s people, who are his treasure, will be rewarded. Read the outcome of the wicked for yourself… Malachi 4:3.
From Genesis to Revelation, there are so many words to research. And did you notice? “and the Lord gave attention and heard it.”
God not only speaks, He also listens!
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