Wisdom with our Words

Proverbs 25:11

 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." NKJV

"The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry." The Message

Sunday school was outstanding this past week.  (It’s actually outstanding most of the time!!)  This particular Sunday the lesson was from Proverbs.  If you have not read Proverbs at some point in your life…stop whatever you are doing…pick up your bible and turn to PROVERBS right now! ( After you read this, of course!)

Solomon, king of Israel, asked God to grant him an understanding heart that he may discern good and evil to rule the people. (1 Kings 3:9) God did indeed grant Solomon's request, as it came from a place of humility and a self-less desire to rule well. As a result of Solomon’s answered prayer, approx. 3000 Proverbs were written by one of the wisest men who ever lived! 

Not only was Solomon wise but he spoke and wrote with such poetic imagery.

Who would compare speaking a right word at the right time to apples of gold in pictures of silver?  Solomon would.   

Speaking with discernment and wisdom must have really been beautiful to Solomon.  Not just good advice, it also has to be given at the right time. They go hand and hand.  Although no one can really know the mind of a king, we can agree with Solomon that a right word at the right time is both rare and valuable still today.

I am privy to many conversations and when I hear an appropriate word appropriately spoken, I am encouraged and then quickly reminded that my words have power and just one word fitly spoken is still a beautiful thing.