Proverbs 25:11

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about speaking the right word at the right time: 

Proverbs 25:11 (ESV)

A word fitly spoken

is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Proverbs 25:15 (ESV)

With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue will break a bone.

Proverbs 25:23 (ESV)

The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

What does your tongue look like?  In the above three proverbs we are given some guidelines on what we are supposed to do with our tongue, our speech.   In 25:11 we are told that a word “fitly” spoken carries the value and beauty of golden apples in a silver bowl.    The Hebrew word for “fitly” is actually the same word for “wheel” in this proverb:

Proverbs 25:12 (ESV)

Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold

is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

So, a tongue that carries a “fit” word can reprove others and carry them to the right place.  

In verse 15 we read that a soft tongue can be powerful enough to “break a bone.”  This means that using our words carefully we can persuade and influence even the highest in the land, the ruler or king.  

In verse 23, however, we see the opposite of the the first two.  A “fitly” spoken word and a “soft tongue” can move hearts and minds.  But, a “backbiting tongue” brings anger just like a north wind can bring rain.   The use of the tongue in the wrong way also moves minds.  But, it moves them to a place of anger and destruction.   

How we use our tongue on a given day can bring sweet or bitter results.   Our tongue is a powerful tool in our arsenal for the day:

Proverbs 20:26 (ESV)

A wise king winnows the wicked

and drives the wheel over them.

That seems odd!  A word that “wheels” from the tongue is like golden apples?   Perhaps in our modern day vernacular we might say, “A word that rolls off the tongue right is a tasty thing.”   The point Solomon is making is that when we use our words in the right way we can move and carry powerful movement in the minds of others.  In fact the next verse that follows this proverb states:

 James 3:5-10 (ESV)

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.