Silver, Gold, and...Apples?
Silver and gold are two of the most desired metals in the world. They are not only valuable but also beautifully shaped to make a variety of objects. They are so alluring that you can find these two metals in almost every woman’s jewelry box with a set to match practically every outfit! Worn as an adornment, they possess the ability to refine the look of their owner. But while society places emphasis solely on their enhancement of outward beauty, the bible uses these precious metals to describe words that reflect the inward beauty of a person.
In Proverbs 25:11 we read, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” So you may now be wondering, “What do apples have to do with silver and gold?” Well, there are many times throughout the bible when the actions and/or words of people are described as ‘fruit.’ Just as a good tree produces good fruit, the fruit of a good person will be good. We are therefore urged to find evidence of this good fruit in the people around us. We are also told that what is spoken from the lips comes from the heart. You can learn a lot about someone just by paying close attention to the words they say! Do they tend to complain…or do they offer words of hope? Do they have a habit of gossiping…or do they speak well of others? Do they often speak harshly…or do they practice gracious speech? What we say is important! There are many reasons why words are considered as valuable as silver and gold in this scripture verse. Here are three that I feel are the most prominent:
1. They represent wisdom. Proverbs 8:19 states that wisdom’s fruit is “better than fine gold,” and that what it yields “surpasses choice silver.” Wisdom is the foundation for prosperity. Without it, earthly riches won’t endure because wisdom produces the character needed to sustain them. This kind of wisdom is highly esteemed by your Heavenly Father and is worth seeking out. You need it in order to experience the abundant life He designed for you to live and to be used as His vessel, producing good fruit wherever you go. We are instructed in Ephesians 4:29 to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Operating in wisdom will always benefit others, as well as yourself.
2. They are timely. There is so much comfort and encouragement that comes from a word aptly spoken. When you’ve been feeling burdened by an issue or feeling, and someone speaks directly into your situation, it makes a lasting impact! The same word could have been spoken at another time, but when God makes sure to have it spoken at the time we most need it, we hold it very dear and with greater value. We are encouraged in knowing that God sees, He hears, and He cares. Timing is everything!
3. They have power. A person of influence or power in the world has a plethora of gold, silver, and many other valuables within their reach. Power and wealth just go together that way. Well, the words we speak have just as much power, if not more! Proverbs 18:21 states that “the tongue has the power of life and death.” And, get this-- it follows up by saying, “those who love it will eat its fruit.” Research tells us that it takes at least five positive comments to replace a negative one. That just goes to show how much people are prone to remember and hold onto negativity. But you have the powerful ability to produce the life-giving fruit they need.
More than anything you wear or own, allow your words to reflect the character of God in your life. They may just be what resurrects someone else’s.
MOVE. MEASURE. MARCH.
March On!
Letty Roy
