Walking with the Wise #460: Fitting Words

“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.”
—Proverbs 25:11-12

Knowing how to use words is one of the greatest things we can learn. How many of us have benefitted from an encouraging word? How many of us have grown from someone speaking truth into our life even though it was painful? A word spoken at the right time is beautiful to the soul. The proverb uses descriptions that are a bit foreign to us, but the meaning is still apparent. The wise know how to use words, like a jeweler knows how to set apples of gold into a silver setting. But the appropriate words must fall upon a listening ear (v. 12). Speaking words of wisdom to a fool invites a dumb response. However, should we speak words of truth to a wise man, he will listen to them.

How are you using your words? To build up or to break down? To boast or to bless? To brag or to benefit? Be discerning in how you speak to others, and seek opportunities to encourage and bless them, not bring them down. Ask God for wisdom so that He may turn your tongue into a poignant pen that extols His mercies, rather than a fault-finder who continually reminds of mistakes.

May God encourage and use us to speak words of truth so that we might bless those around us in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.