Bill Fitzhenry's Thoughts For Today…
Proverbs 25:11-14 ESV
Proverbs 25
11 A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain
is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
The danger of and the right use of speech are a continual concern for the author of Proverbs. Speech is first mentioned in chapter 1:11, and last mentioned in chapter 31:26.
In verses 11-14, the major concern is words which are beneficial. But there is a vivid contrast of worthless speech.
Chapter 25:11 describes the words which are spoken. “Good words” are those spoken at the right time in the right way with wise content. These “good words” have both value and beauty. Chapter 25:12 gives the speech as that of a “wise reprover”. But the emphasis is on the “listening ear”. Just as the speaker is responsible for his words so the hearer is responsible to hear and profit from them.
Chapter 25:13 approaches the same subject, “good words”, and “wise reproof” from the responsibility of the origin of the message. The message has a sender (Romans 10:15). And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" The speech that is a valuable gift from one and received as such by the other, commends this messenger as worthwhile for his senders.
Chapter 25:14 is the sharp contrast of one who is certain to disappoint sender and hearer. He is like the empty clouds. He brings a false hope that cannot profit. (Matthew 23:15) Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.
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