RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-01-26	What Are “Apples of Gold In Settings of Silver”? (Pr.25:11)
		Pro 25:11  A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. The phrase, “apples of gold in settings of silver” is the first of a four-verse cluster of similes. 1. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver (v.11). 2. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear (v.12). 3. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters (v.13). 4. Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain (v.14). The idea in plain language of the four-verse cluster would be the following: 1. Proper words are like apples of gold in settings of silver (see v.11). 2. The rebuke of a wise person should be just as pleasant to the listening ear as earrings are pleasant to the physical ear (see v.12). 3. A trustworthy messenger is like a cold drink at harvest time; both are refreshing (see v.13). 4. A person who promises gifts but never gives them is like clouds and wind without rain (see v.14). These similes have a natural image that everyone would recognize. They may be seen as either good or bad. The writer applies them to human behavior. • So verse 11 is saying, a wise word spoken at a proper time is a thing of beauty. • So verse 12 is saying, rebuke is often offensive to the one who receives it. But this is the wrong response. Just as earrings of gold are an enhancement to the ear, so a genuine rebuke should be a benefit to the listener. • So verse 13 is saying, a cold drink is very refreshing to a person who is working hard. A faithful person can be very refreshing to the person who is counting on him or her to complete a task. • So verse 14 is saying, in such a dry climate as Israel has, rain is a gift. When clouds and wind come, they seem to promise rain. When they do not deliver, it is a disappointment. The lesson is, don’t promise gifts and then fail to give them. It is clear that an improper word or an incorrect judgment can be a terrible thing. Scripture warns of the destructive nature of the tongue (Ja.3:6). The exact meaning of the term “apples of gold” is uncertain. It may refer to any number of fruit with a yellow to orange color, thus poetically called “golden.” So the verse might be talking about golden-colored fruit served in a silver bowl. This would certainly be quite appetizing and pleasant to the eye. A correct word, spoken in the proper context is just as beautiful and valuable. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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