Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.
11. fitly ] Lit. upon its wheels, i.e. smoothly and without hesitation.
Others render, at its (proper) times, i.e. seasonably, perhaps from the idea of times or seasons “revolving,” or “rolling round.” In tempore suo, Vulg. Comp. Pro 15:23.
apples of gold ] Either golden-coloured fruit, such as oranges or quinces ( , Plin.; aurea mala, Virg. Ecl. iii. 71), or fruit gilded or made of gold, as part of the artistic ornament.
pictures ] Rather, baskets of silver network or filigree work, through and in contrast with which the golden fruit was shown to advantage. In lectis argenteis, Vulg. The LXX. has , in a necklace of sardius, evidently regarding the whole ornament, including its apples, or bosses, of gold as the work of the artificer.
The imagery of the proverb accords with the growth of art and luxury in the reign of Solomon, though the Hebrews were familiar from the days of Egypt (Exo 3:22), and earlier (Gen 24:22), with ornaments of gold and silver.
“The proverb may well be thought of as having had its origin in some kingly gift to the son of David, the work of Tyrian artists, like Hiram and his fellows. Others, as they gazed on the precious metals and the cunning work, far beyond the skill of their own countrymen, might highly admire, but the wise king saw in the costly rarity a parable of something higher. A word well set upon the wheels of speech excelled it. It is singular that ornamentation of this kind in the precious metals was known even as late as the middle ages, as uvre de Salomon.” Dean Plumptre, Speaker’s Comm.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Apples of gold – Probably the golden colored fruit set in baskets (i. e., chased vessels of open worked silver); so is a word spoken upon its wheels (i. e., moving quickly and quietly on its way). The proverb may have had its origin in some kingly gift to the son of David, the work of Tyrian artists, like Hiram and his fellows. Others gazed on the cunning work and admired, but the wise king saw in the costly rarity a parable of something higher. A word well set upon the wheels of speech excelled it. Ornamentation of this kind in the precious metals was known, even as late as in the middle ages, as oeuvre de Salomon.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Pro 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
The lessons of the orange-tree
Apples of gold is a poetic name for the orange in more than one Eastern tongue. Pictures of silver may be a figure for the creamy-white blossoms of the orange-tree. No one who has seen orange-trees in full blossom and full bearing can have failed to notice how the beauty of the golden fruit is set off by its framework of white fragrant blossoms. Fitly spoken is in the margin a word spoken in season–a timely, opportune word. Delitzsch renders, according to circumstances, by which is meant a good word adapted to time and audience and to all the conditions of the time. Most of us can remember some word spoken in the very nick of time and so happily adapted to our conditions at the moment that it largely influenced our whole subsequent career. But perhaps the meaning is a word which was the fittest, the most perfect and beautiful expression of the thought which had to be uttered. A word spoken on its wheels. Every kind of thought has its appropriate expression in language. What the wise man bids us admire is those weighty and happy sentences which embody a noble thought in words of answering nobleness.
1. This is the first lesson of the orange-tree–that a happy, a fair and noble utterance of a wise thought gives it a new charm, a new and victorious energy. Distinction of style is almost as potent–if indeed it is not even more potent–on the life and fame of a book as depth or originality of thought.
2. All force becomes most forcible when it is smoothly and easily exerted. It is not effort, strain, violence which tell in action any more than in language, but gentleness, calmness, a gracious mastery and smiling ease. The wiser you are the less passionate, the less vehement, the less overbearing you will be. Great forces are calm and gentle because they are irresistible. Calmness, composure, gentleness are signs of strength.
3. Religion is most potent when it is clothed with grace. A genial and friendly godliness is like the ruddy fruit of the orange-tree encircled and set off by its wealth of white, odorous blooms. There was much that was admirable in the Puritan conception of religion; but though its heart was sound its face wore a frown. And in many of us religion still wears a sour and forbidding face. Some there are who still suspect beauty, culture, scholarship, mirth, and even devotion to God and man, if it take any form other than that which they approve and prefer. Such people do not render religion attractive. Let us learn the lesson of the orange-tree, and the greatest lesson of all–the lesson of charity. (Samuel Cox, D.D.)
Apples of gold in pictures of silver
The term translated fitly is a very curious one in the original Hebrew. It signifies wheels, and the marginal reading is a word spoken on his wheels, which means a word that rolled smoothly and pleasantly from the lips of the speaker to the ears of the hearer. In ancient times the carts had no wheels, and most things were carried on horseback. There were no roads, and the carts were put on long shafts, the two ends of which rested on the ground, and were dragged along by the horse with great difficulty, making deep ruts in the ground. The first wheels that were used in our country were very clumsy and rough. Modern wheels are light, and turn easily. The wise man says that each of your words should be like a vehicle on easy-going wheels, so smooth and courteous that it would produce no jar or shock to either speaker or hearer; not hurt by any harshness or roughness, or leave a painful rut behind in the memory. People in the East are remarkable for the grace and courtesy of their speech. They carry this sometimes too far, and are guilty of insincerity and exaggeration. We are apt to err in the other direction, and make our speech too rough and harsh, fancying that we cannot be true and sincere if we are polite. We are not so careful of our words as we ought to be. The text directs our thoughts to the surpassing excellence of gentle and kindly speech. Cultivated society is so pleasant to live in, because the people who move in it have learned to control their tempers, are polite and forbearing to each other, and do not say things that grate upon the feelings and leave a sting behind. But while good society gives an outward and artificial politeness, the religion of the meek and lowly Jesus gives true inward refinement and civility. It enables us to be truly considerate, bearing with the failings of some, overlooking the weaknesses of others, and having a good word to say of every one. It puts a wheel on every one of your words, so that it may glide smoothly. There are persons who grudge to say a word of praise to others, however deserving. Frankly praise what is worthy of praise, and your words will be sweet and pleasant to yourselves as well as to others. There is a temptation to be clever and say smart things, and to use words of sareasm or ridicule at the expense of those who are not so quick-witted as yourselves. Be very careful in finding fault with people, lest you should make the offender an enemy. In the text apples probably should be oranges, and this fruit gives a more suggestive figure. The flowers and fruit may be found together on the orange-tree throughout the whole year. The leaves are evergreen and of a cheerful, glossy green, and the flowers of a brilliant white, with a most delicious scent. So is the exceeding comeliness of a wise and gentle employment of your words. A word fitly spoken can administer an all-round delight in the same way. We speak about the language of flowers and of flowery language. It would be well if there was more of this attractiveness in our speech. The old Athenian laws required that a newly-married couple, when they were alone, should first eat a quince together, in token, as this fruit was the symbol of good-will, that their conversation should be mutually pleasant. And so your religion requires, in all your intercourse with one another, that you should first eat the quince of good-will, and be careful in choosing smooth words that have no sharp edges to cut and wound, that roll easily and pleasantly on wheels without making any jars or ruts. Over against all apples of discord that cause alienation and strife and misfortune set the golden apples of gentle, kind, considerate words that will win all hearts around you and sweeten the air and smooth all the rough things of the world. (Hugh Macmillan, D.D.)
The excellency of fitly-spoken words
The comparison here has undoubtedly an allusion to some old domestic ornament. The idea, says Stuart, is that of a garment of precious stuff, on which are embroidered golden apples among picture work of silver. Costly and precious was such a garment held to be: for besides the ornaments upon it, the material itself was of high value. Others think that the allusion is to a kind of table ornament, constructed of a silver basket of delicate lattice-work, containing gold in the form of apples. The basket would, of course, be so constructed as to show off with advantage its precious treasure, the apple of gold. The ancient Easterns were men of taste and men of art; they loved the beautiful, and they had their ornaments: and some of their ornaments were as exquisitely constructed as those of any scenes or times.
I. Words fitly spoken must be words fitted to exhibit the truth to the best advantage. They must be to the truth what the basket was to the apples of gold–an instrument for showing them off to the best advantage. There are words that hide the truth; they are so profuse and luxuriant that they bury the priceless flower in their wilderness. There are words that disgrace the truth; they are ill-chosen, mean, suggestive of low and degrading associations.
II. Words fitly spoken must be words adapted to the mental mood of the hearer.
1. Different men have different mental moods. Some are naturally sombre, imaginative, and practical; others are gay, poetic, and speculative. Words fitly spoken must be adapted to each particular mood: the form in which truth would suit one mood would be inapt to another.
2. The same man has different moods at different times. Circumstances modify the condition of the soul. Hence a word fitly spoken must be a word presenting truth adapted to the soul in its existing mood. It must be a word in due season.
III. Words fitly spoken should be words spoken in the right spirit.
IV. Naturally-flowing words. Spoken upon his wheels. Not forced or dragged words. Let us all endeavour to use the right words in the family, in the market, in the schools, in the debate, in the pulpit, on the platform, and in the press. (D. Thomas, D.D.)
Apples of gold
Things of rare worth and beauty are words fitly spoken, words that fit the case and match the opportunity. The human voice can do what nothing else can. Of some mens words we are sure that they are apples of gold. Such are the words of the prophets who come with messages of hope and warning. Among words of truth and beauty are–
1. Words of comfort. We have no distance to go to find a human life that needs a consoling word. On the next foot of land to yours stands a man who craves for comfort. There are times in life when the word of instruction would be an injury and the elaborated argument a great hurt, as neither would minister to the mind diseased; but simple, earnest, heartfelt words, born of sympathy, are veritable apples of gold.
2. Words of counsel. These are not always welcome. Our independent spirit will not permit us to invite or accept them. Yet many a man traces the turning-point of his career to the time when he acted on some word of good counsel. The word of experience is often the word wanted.
3. Words of encouragement. The world will never know what it owes to those people who have encouraged others. To encourage a man is to help him to turn some of the possibilities within him into actual achievements. Let us give God thanks for all those winsome servants of His who walk their appointed ways across His world, speaking as they go the encouraging word. (Albert J. Shorthouse.)
Words on wheels
A wonderful deal of good often comes from what Solomon calls a word fitly spoken. The Hebrew for fitly spoken here means set on wheels. All our words are set on wheels. If they are good words, they are wheeling on for good. If they are evil words, they go wheeling on for evil. Remember this.
A word fitly spoken
A certain Baptist merchant of Richmond became seriously embarrassed in his business. The report went out that he had failed, and caused much painful surprise. A few days after the suspension of his business Dr. Jeter, in passing down the aisle of the church one Sunday morning, met him. He grasped him by the hand with unwonted warmth, and said, How are you, brother? I have heard fine news about you. Just about that time the sad brother was feeling that all the news concerning him was of the worst sort. With mingled surprise and curiosity he asked the doctor what he had heard. Why, I heard that you had failed in business, and failed honestly. It is nothing to lose your money if you have been able to retain your integrity. The kind word went far to reconcile the brother to his misfortunes. He did fail honestly, and not long after started again, and rose to high prosperity. (From Life of Dr. Jeter.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 11. A word fitly spoken] al ophannaiv, upon its wheels. An observation, caution, reproof, or advice, that comes in naturally, runs smoothly along, is not forced nor dragged in, that appears to be without design, to rise out of the conversation, and though particularly relative to one point, will appear to the company to suit all.
Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.] Is like the refreshing orange or beautiful citron, served up in open work or filigree baskets, made of silver. The Asiatics excel in filigree silver work. I have seen much of it, and it is exquisitely beautiful. The silver wire by which it is done they form into the appearance of numerous flowers; and though these wires are soldered everywhere at their junctions with each other, yet this is done with such delicacy and skill as to be scarcely perceptible. I have seen animals formed on this filigree work, with all their limbs, and every joint in its natural play. Fruit-baskets are made also in this way, and are exquisitely fine. The wise man seems to have this kind of work particularly in view; and the contrast of the golden yellow fruit in the exquisitely wrought silver basket, which may be all termed picture work, has a fine and pleasing effect upon the eye, as the contained fruit has upon the palate at an entertainment in a sultry climate. So the word spoken judiciously and opportunely is as much in its place, as the golden apples in the silver baskets.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
A word fitly spoken, for the matter, and season, and other circumstances of it,
is like apples of gold in pictures of silver, which it seems was usual in those times, and was grateful to the eye for the beauty and variety both of the colours and figures, the golden apples appearing through net-work of silver, or being engraven or portrayed upon tablets of silver.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
11. a word fitlyliterally,”quickly,” as wheels roll, just in time. The comparison asapples . . . silver gives a like sense.
apples, &c.eitherreal apples of golden color, in a silver network basket, orimitations on silver embroidery.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
A word fitly spoken,…. Or, “a word spoken on its wheels” d: that proceeds aright, keeps due order, is well circumstanced as to matter, method, time, place, and persons; a discourse well put together, properly pronounced, roundly, easily, and fluently delivered to proper persons, and adapted to their circumstances; and “seasonably” spoken, as the Targum and many versions render it:
[is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver; either like apples made of gold, and so valuable and precious; or as apples, called golden from their colour, as golden pippins, and golden rennets; or oranges, which are sometimes called golden apples: either of these in silver cases and enclosures, as Aben Ezra and Gersom interpret the word, or in a silver cup, as the Syriac version, or in silver lattices, as Maimonides, through which they may be seen, look very pleasant and delightful. The words may design, as some think, silver baskets of network e; into which golden apples or oranges being put, and placed on a table, look very beautiful; and to such a word fitly spoken is compared. This may be applied to the word of the Gospel, as spoken by Christ, the great Prophet of the church; who has the tongue of the learned, to speak a word in season to weary souls, Isa 50:4; and by his ministers, who publish the Gospel, that faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation: this being the word of salvation, is fitly spoken to all sensible sinners, and must be exceeding agreeable to them; since it is of salvation from all sin, and for the chief of sinners, and entirely of free grace; includes all blessings in it, and is for ever; and since it is a proclamation of pardon of all sorts of sins and sinners, and of all their sins, and according to the riches of grace; and is also the word of reconciliation, and publishes peace to rebels, who could not make their own peace with God; and yet this is done by the blood of Christ, as the Gospel declares: and, seeing it is likewise the word of righteousness, which reveals the righteousness of Christ as justifying, when a man’s own righteousness will not acquit him; and invites weary souls to Christ for rest, and therefore must be grateful to all such persons, and be esteemed as valuable as balls or apples of gold; and as pleasant and delightful to see and hear of as those set in silver baskets of network; and be as refreshing and comfortable, and as grateful to the taste, as real apples of the best kind; see So 2:2. It may also be applied to the promises of grace, seasonably spoken, and suitably applied by the Spirit of God; who takes the promises which are in Christ, and shows and opens them to souls in distress, at the most proper and seasonable time; and which are exceeding great and precious, yield abundance of pleasure and delight, and are very comfortable. Yea, this may be applied to the words of good men, in private conversation, either by way of counsel, or comfort, or admonition; and to every word that is with grace, and ministers grace to the hearer, and is for the use of edifying, when time, place, persons, and circumstances, are observed. Maimonides f thinks the external sense of the word is meant by the silver, and the internal sense by the gold; which latter is seen through, and is much better than the former.
d “super rotis suis”, Montanus, Piscator, so Kimchi and Ben Melech; “super rotationibus suis”. Schultens. e “in thecis transparentibus”, Montanus; “cancellis”, Baynus; “cancellaturis, sive retiaculis”, Glassius; “in speciosis calicibus”, Cocceius. f Praefat. Moreh Nevochim.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The first emblematical distich of this collection now follows:
11 Golden apples in silver salvers.
A word spoken according to its circumstances.
The Syr. and Jerome vocalize , and the Targ. ; both are admissible, but the figure and that which is represented are not placed in so appropriate a relation as by ; the wonderfully penetrating expression of the text, which is rendered by the traditional nikkud , agrees here with the often occurring (= ), also its passive . The defective writing is like, e.g., , Psa 112:7, and gives no authority to prefer = (Bttcher). That , corresponding to the plur. , is not used, arises from this, that is here manifestly not a word without connection, but a sentence of motive, contents, and aim united. For , the meaning of presents itself from Pro 15:23, according to which, among the old interpreters, Symmachus, Jerome, and Luther render “at its time.” Abulwald compared the Arab. aiffan ( aibban , also ‘iffan , whence ‘aly ‘iffanihi , justo tempore ), which, as Orelli has shown in his Synon. der Zeitbegriffe, p. 21f., comes from the roots af ab , to drive (from within) going out, time as consisting of individual moments, the one of which drives on the other, and thus denotes time as a course of succession. One may not hesitate as to the prep. , for would, like , denote the circumstances, the relations of the time, and would, as e.g., in and , have the meaning of . But the form , which like , Lev 16:12, sounds dualistic, appears to oppose this. Hitzig supposes that may designate the time as a circle, with reference to the two arches projecting in opposite directions, but uniting themselves together; but the circle which time describes runs out from one point, and, moreover, the Arab. names for time afaf , aifaf , and the like, which interchange with aiffan , show that this does not proceed from the idea of circular motion. Ewald and others take for the meaning of wheels (the Venet., after Kimchi, ), whereby the form is to be interpreted as dual of = , “a word driven on its wheels,” – so Ewald explains: as the potter quickly and neatly forms a vessel on his wheels, thus a fit and quickly framed word. But signifies to drive cattle and to speak = to cause words to follow one another (cf. Arab. syak , pressing on = flow of words), but not to drive = to fashion in that artisan sense. Otherwise Bttcher, “a word fitly spoken, a pair of wheels perfect in their motion,” to which he compares the common people “in their jesting,” and adduces all kinds of heterogeneous things partly already rejected by Orelli ( e.g., the Homeric , which is certainly no commendation). But “jesting” is not appropriate here; for what man conceives of human speech as a carriage, one only sometimes compares that of a babbler to a sledge, or says of him that he shoves the cart into the mud.
(Note: It is something different when the weaver’s beam, minwal in Arab., is metaph. for kind and manner: they are ‘aly minwal wahad , is equivalent to they are of a like calibre, Arab. kalib , which is derived from ( ), a shoemaker’s last.)
Is it then thus decided that is a dual? It may be also like , the plur. especially in the adverbial expression before us, which readily carried the abbreviation with it ( vid., Gesen. Lehrgebr. 134, Anm. 17). On this supposition, Orelli interprets from , to turn, in the sense of turning about, circumstances, and reminds of this, that in the post-bibl. Heb. this word is used as indefinitely as , e.g., , quodammodo ( vid., Reland’s Analecta Rabbinica, 1723, p. 126). This late Talm. usage of the word can, indeed, signify nothing as to the bibl. word; but that , abbreviated , can mean circumstances, is warranted by the synon. . Aquila and Theodotion appear to have thus understood it, for their , which they substitute for the colourless of the lxx, signifies: under the circumstances, in accordance therewith. So Orelli thus rightly defines: “ denote the ahwal , circumstances and conditions, as they form themselves in each turning of time, and those which are ascribed to by the suffix are those to which it is proper, and to which it fits in. Consequently a word is commended which is spoken whenever the precise time arrives to which it is adapted, a word which is thus spoken at its time as well as at its place (van Dyk, fay mahllah ), and the grace of which is thereby heightened.” Aben Ezra’s explanation, , in the approved way, follows the opinion of Abulwald and Parchon, that is equivalent to (cf. aly wajhihi , sua ratione ), which is only so far true, that both words are derived from R. , to turn. In the figure, it is questionable whether by , apples of gold, or gold-coloured apples, are meant (Luther: as pomegranates and citrons); thus oranges are meant, as at Zec 4:12. denotes golden oil. Since , besides, signifies a metallic substance, one appears to be under the necessity of thinking of apples of gold; cf. the brazen pomegranates. But (1) apples of gold of natural size and massiveness are obviously too great to make it probable that such artistic productions are meant; (2) the material of the emblem is usually not of less value than that of which it is the emblem (Fleischer); (3) the Scriptures are fond of comparing words with flowers and fruits, Pro 10:31; Pro 12:14; Pro 13:2; Pro 18:20, and to the essence of the word which is rooted in the spirit, and buds and grows up to maturity through the mouth and the lips, the comparison with natural fruits corresponds better in any case than with artificial. Thus, then, we interpret “golden apples” as the poetic name for oranges, aurea mala , the Indian name of which with reference to or (gold) was changed into the French name orange, as our pomeranze is equivalent to pomum aurantium . is the plur. of , already explained, Pro 18:11; the word is connected neither with , to twist, wreathe (Ewald, with most Jewish interpreters)
(Note: On this proceeds also the beautiful interpretation by Maimuni in the preface to More Nebuchim: Maskiyyth sont des ciselures rticulaires , etc., according to Munk’s translation from the Arab. text, vid., Kohut’s Pers. Pentateuch-Uebers. (1871), p. 356. Accordingly Jewish interpreters ( e.g., Elia Wilna) understand under the four kinds of writing: , , , and , which are comprehended under the memorial word .)
nor with , to pierce, infigere (Redslob, vid., under Psa 73:7); it signifies medal or ornament, from , to behold (cf. , = , Isa 2:6), here a vessel which is a delight to the eyes. In general the Venet. rightly, ; Symmachus and Theodotion, more in accordance with the fundamental idea, ; the Syr. and Targ. specially: in vessels of embossed work ( , from , to draw, to extend); yet more specially the lxx, , on a chain of cornelian stone, for which, perhaps, (Jger) , in a little silver basket, is the original phrase. Aquila, after Bereschith rabba c. 93, translates by . Jerome: in lectis argenteis , appears to have fallen into the error of taking for , lectus . Hitzig here emends a self-made . Luther’s “golden apples in silver baskets” is to be preferred.
(Note: A favourite expression of Goethe’s, vid., Bchmann’s Geflgelte Worte, 1688.)
A piece of sculpture which represents fruit by golden little disks or points within groups of leaves is not meant – for the proverb does not speak of such pretty little apples – but golden oranges are meant. A word in accordance with the circumstances which occasion it, is like golden oranges which are handed round in silver salvers or on silver waiters. Such a word is, as adopting another figure we might say, like a well-executed picture, and the situation into which it appropriately fits is like its elegant frame. The comparison with fruit is, however, more significant; it designates the right word as a delightful gift, in a way which heightens its impression and its influences.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Solomon here shows how much it becomes a man, 1. To speak pertinently: A word upon the wheels, that runs well, is well-circumstanced, in proper time and place–instruction, advice, or comfort, given seasonably, and in apt expressions, adapted to the case of the person spoken to and agreeing with the character of the person speaking–is like golden balls resembling apples, or like true apples of a golden colour (golden rennets), or perhaps gilded, as sometimes we have gilded laurels, and those embossed in pictures of silver, or rather brought to table in a silver network basket, or in a silver box of that which we call filigree–work, through which the golden apples might be seen. Doubtless in was some ornament of the table, then well known. As that was very pleasing to the eye, so is a word fitly spoken to the ear. 2. Especially to give a reproof with discretion, and so as to make it acceptable. If it be well given, by a wise reprover, and well taken, by an obedient ear, it is an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, very graceful and well becoming both the reprover and the reproved; both will have their praise, the reprover for giving it so prudently and the reproved for taking it so patiently and making a good use of it. Others will commend them both, and they will have satisfaction in each other; he who gave the reproof is pleased that it had the desired effect, and he to whom it was given has reason to be thankful for it as a kindness. That is well given, we say, that is well taken; yet it does not always prove that that is well taken which is well given. It were to be wished that a wise reprover should always meet with an obedient ear, but often it is not so.
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary
Appropriate Words
Verses 11-12 use objects of beauty and grace to illustrate the worth of words well suited to meet with kindness and truth, a present need of correction, instruction, comfort, encouragement, etc. The ideal of both wise reprover and gracious reproved is emphasized, Pro 15:23; Pro 16:24; Pro 17:27; Ecc 9:17; Ecc 10:12; Isa 50:4; Job 6:25; Col 4:6; Tit 2:8.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
TEXT Pro. 25:11-19
11.
A word fitly spoken
Is like applies of gold in network of silver.
12.
As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,
So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,
So is a faithful messenger to them that send him;
For he refresheth the soul of his masters.
14.
As clouds and wind without rain,
So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely.
15.
By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded,
And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
16.
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee,
Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
17.
Let thy foot be seldom in thy neighbors house,
Lest he be weary of thee, and hate thee.
18.
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor
Is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19.
Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble
Is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.
STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 25:11-19
1.
What quality do some words possess (Pro. 25:11)?
2.
Is Pro. 25:12 related to Pro. 25:11?
3.
How would the cold of snow be refreshing in harvest (Pro. 25:13)?
4.
What do people think of a person who boasts (Pro. 25:14)?
5.
Contrast the action mentioned in Pro. 25:15 with that of Pro. 25:8.
6.
Why are there several proverbs (Pro. 24:13, this verse, and Pro. 25:27) about eating or not eating honey (Pro. 25:16)?
7.
Have you ever known a person to wear his/her or even their welcome out (Pro. 25:17)?
8.
Comment on the 3 items mentioned in Pro. 25:18.
9.
What do you get from Pro. 25:19?
PARAPHRASE OF 25:11-19
11.
Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket.
12.
It is a badge of honor to accept valid criticism.
13.
A faithful employee is as refreshing as a cool day in the hot summertime.
14.
One who doesnt give the gift he promised is like a cloud blowing over a desert without dropping any rain.
15.
Be patient and you will finally win, for a soft tongue can break hard bones.
16.
Do you like honey? Dont eat too much of it, or it will make you sick!
17.
Dont visit your neighbor too often, or you will outwear your welcome!
18.
Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow.
19.
Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth, or trying to run on a broken foot.
COMMENTS ON 25:11-19
Pro. 25:11. A word fitly spoken would be the right thing said at the right time, in the right place, to the right person, in the right way, and for the right purpose. For something to be right, everything about it must be right. Is it any wonder, then, that Jas. 3:2 says, If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man? Reseach on apples of gold in network of silver is in order. Many contend for a silver basket containing beautiful orange fruit. Most writers contend that apples from the Hebrew word tappuach) was not our apple but possibly the orange, or more probably the apricot. Tristram (writing in Land of Israel) says, I have no hesitation in expresing my conviction that the apricot alone is the apple of Scripture…Everywhere the apricot is common; perhaps it is, with the single exception of the fig, the most abundant fruit of the country. In highlands and lowlands alike, by the shores of the Mediterranean and on the banks of the Jordan, in the nooks of Judea, under the heights of Lebanon, in the recesses of Galiliee, and in the glades of Gilead, the apricot flourishes and yields a crop of prodigious abundance. Its characteristics meet every condition of the tappauch of Scripture. Then a word fitly spoken is as perfect as a beautiful, delicious group of golden apricots in a basket made of silver. See also Pro. 15:23.
Pro. 25:12. Just as they bestowed comeliness upon their faces by golden ornaments, so listening to parents wise counsel and to wise reproofs would grace ones life (Pro. 1:9 and this verse). In the New Testament women especially are instructed to adorn and ornament their lives with spiritual beauty instead of majoring upon physical beauty (1Pe. 3:3-5; 1Ti. 2:9-10).
Pro. 25:13. Not a snow storm (which would not occur at the season of harvest and which would be a calamity rather than a refreshing blessing) but likely a snow-cooled drink for the harvest workers. How would that be possible? Clarke: In the East they have snow-housesplaces dug under ground where they lay up snow for summer use. This snow was used to cool their summer drinks. To have a faithful messenger who could be counted upon was as refreshing to those who would send him as a cold drink in hot weather. Pro. 13:17 likens such a messenger to health.
Pro. 25:14. Boasteth himself of his gifts falsely is translated by Coverdale: Whoso maketh great boasts, and giveth nothing, and the Vulgate translates: A bragging man, who does not fulfill his promises. Such promises remind one of clouds and winds in dry weather, but no rain results. Jud. 1:12 also refers to these clouds without water, carried along by winds people. Some people make a big show with their words, but they do not come through with what they have promisedand sometimes they were premising to give it to God! Ecc. 5:5 says, Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Therefore Ecc. 5:4 says, When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou vowest.
Pro. 25:15. One can defeat himself sometimes by being too pushy. By being hasty of spirit we can sometimes exalt folly (Pro. 14:29) instead of success. We are commanded to reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching (2Ti. 4:2). We are told in 2Ti. 2:24-25 that the Lords servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth. And we are told in Pro. 15:1 that a soft answer turneth away wrath.
Pro. 25:16. Among the many spiritual and moral instructions we have in the Bible, there is an occasional instruction with reference to the physical or health-side of mankind. Such is this verse. Honey is good, actually great, for health (Pro. 24:13), but one should not eat so much of it that he gets turned against it permanently and thereafter wants none of it. Pro. 25:27 warns, It is not good to eat much honey. We should do that which is wise even in the physical realm of our being.
Pro. 25:17. Our common expressions, Dont wear your welcome out and Familiarity breeds contempt, carry the same message. People have work to be done and business to be seen about. One who has nothing to do and keeps running over to the house of those who do soon makes his/her appearance an unwelcome sight. It is better to have the others say, Come over, than to have them think, I wish they would leave. The marginal reading is interesting: Lest he be full of thee.
Pro. 25:18. The paraphrase says, Telling lies about someone is as harmful as hitting him with an ax, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow. Psa. 57:4 speaks of people whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue is a sharp sword. Psa. 120:3-4 speaks of the tongue as sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. and Pro. 12:18 speaks of the rash tongue as the piercings of a sword.
Pro. 25:19. Putting ones trust in an unreliable person lets him down in the day of trouble. This is why some people should not be given a church class to teach, why some people should not be entrusted with important business, etc. You cannot use a broken tooth nor count on a foot out of joint. Each person should want to be reliable, responsible, and trustworthy And each of us should be wise enough not to count upon the irresponsible.
TEST QUESTIONS OVER 25:11-19
1.
Comment upon the apples of gold of Pro. 25:11.
2.
What does God say in the New Testament about ornamenting (Pro. 25:12)?
3.
Comment upon snow in the time of harvest in Pro. 25:13.
4.
Comment upon boasteth himself of his gifts falsely (Pro. 25:14).
5.
Elaborate upon long forebearing and a soft tongue in Pro. 25:15.
6.
What is different about the instruction in Pro. 25:16?
7.
What does the margin give in Pro. 25:17 for lest he be weary of thee?
8.
How is the destructive tongue compared in Pro. 25:18?
9.
What lesson do you receive from Pro. 25:19?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(11) A word fitly spoken.Or, it may be, at the proper time. (Comp. Pro. 15:23.)
Apples of gold in pictures of silver.Probably golden-coloured apples are meant, or fruit of the same tint, such as pomegranates, citrons, or oranges. Pictures of silver probably means figures, i.e., baskets or dishes of ornamental work.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
11. A word fitly spoken The margin reads, “spoken upon his wheels.” Compare Pro 15:23. That is, as Clarke explains, comes in naturally, runs smoothly, appears to be without design, rises out of the conversation, etc. With this accord many of the older interpreters. But later expositors, as also some of the ancients, do not regard the word , ( ophnayv,) as derived from , ( ophan,) a wheel, but from, , ( ophen,) time, season, etc.; a word in season at the fitting time. This is preferable.
Apples of gold in pictures of silver Various are the renderings of this clause. “An apple of gold in a sardine (cornelian) collar.” Septuagint. “Apples of gold in beds of silver.” Vulgate. “Apples of gold among picturework of silver.” Stuart. “Among figures of silver.” Boothroyd, Noyes. “In framework of silver.” Zockler. “In curiously wrought baskets of silver.” Holden. “In a silver network basket.” Patrick. “As golden fruit in baskets of silver.” Muenscher. “Ingravings.” Conant. Paraphrased by Dr. Adam Clarke: “Like the refreshing orange or beautiful citron served up in open-work or filigree baskets made of silver.” The principle point of difference among the critics is, whether the allusion is to real fruit in real baskets, or to pictures of fruit in baskets. The “idea,” says Stuart, “is that of a garment of precious stuff in which are introduced golden apples among picturework of silver.” This theory is favoured by the word , ( maski-yyoth,) rendered in our version pictures, in others picturework, etc. The word and its cognates are used in the sense of pictures, resemblances, representations, engravings, sculptures, imagery, etc., in sundry places. Isaiah 20:10; Lev 26:1; Num 33:52; Eze 8:12, etc. But the note of Dr. Clarke sufficiently accounts for the use of this word here on the other theory.
“The Asiatics,” says he, “excel in filigree silverwork. I have seen much of it, and it is exquisitely beautiful. The silver wire, by which it is done, they form into the appearance of numerous flowers I have seen animals of this filigree work, with all their limbs, and every joint in its natural play. Fruit-baskets are made in this way, and are exquisitely fine. The wise man seems to have this kind of work particularly in view, and the contrast of the golden yellow fruit in the exquisitely wrought silver baskets, which may all be termed picturework, has a fine and pleasing effect upon the eye, as the contained fruit has upon the palate, at an entertainment in a sultry climate.” The comparison teaches that an agreeable medium greatly enhances the attractiveness of truth; that appropriate words, uttered at a fitting time, are sure to be acceptable and effective. Muenscher. It is generally agreed that the apples of the verse are not our apples, but a fruit of the lemon kind, probably the citron some think the quince; but the golden yellow citron is excellent and greatly relished. The citron trees were also very beautiful. The goodly trees in Lev 23:40 are explained by the Targum as the citron tree. The Rabbins say, that the first “fruits of them were carried to the temple in silver baskets.”
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Pro 25:11. A word fitly spoken, &c. The author of the Observations seems to have proved, that not apples but citrons are here meant, which were of the colour of gold; See Son 2:3. And he thinks that Solomon here refers to the manner of serving up these citrons in his court, when he says, A word fitly spoken is like this fruit served up in vessels of silver, curiously wrought: whether, as Maimonides supposed, wrought with open-work like baskets, or curiously chased, it no way concerns us to determine. But it may not be improper to observe, that this magnificence was not, we have reason to suppose, very common at that time, since the fruit which was presented to D’Arvieux by the grand Emir of the Arabs was brought in nothing better than a painted vessel of wood. To an antique apparatus of vessels for fruit, perhaps of this painted wooden kind, Solomon opposes the magnificence of his court. Observations, p. 202. Bishop Lowth observes, that Solomon in this sentence gives us not only an apt description of the proverb or parable, but also an example of the thing described: A word produced in its season, is like golden apple, in net-work of silver; whereby he means that weighty and hidden meanings are as much commended by a terse, concise, and well-turned speech, as apples, exquisite for their colour, appear more lovely and pleasing when they thine through the network of a silver basket, exquisitely chased. See his 24th Lecture.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Ver. 11. A word fitly spoken. ] Hebrew, Spoken upon his wheels – that is, rightly ordered and circumstantiated, spoken with a grace, and in due place. It is an excellent skill to be able to time a word, Isa 50:4 to set it upon the wheels, as here. How “good” are such words! Pro 15:23 how “forcible!” Job 6:25 How pleasant! even “like apples of gold in pictures, or lattices of silver,” not only precious for matter, Ecc 12:10 but delectable for order, as gold put in a case of silver cut work.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
fitly = timely. As we say “on the spur of the moment”.
apples of gold. The difficulty is not in this expression, for jewellery is evidently intended from the first clause of the next verse.
pictures = carved or sculptured work, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), for imaginative work made from it: i.e. baskets, or dishes. Golden fruit (the Rev. James Niel suggests oranges) in silver salvers would be the height of rarity, which it is the intention of the words to convey. Hebrew. maskith occurs six times, Pro 18:11 (“conceit”); Lev 26:1. Num 33:52. Psa 73:7 (“could wish”); Eze 8:12 (“imagery”).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Pro 25:11-12
Pro 25:11-12
“A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver. As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”
Both of these verses deal with the desirability of appropriate speech. McGee wrote that, “The apples of gold were probably oranges. However the mention of ornaments such as an ear-ring in the parallel verse, probably means that the “apples of gold” were some kind of beautiful ornament. Cook suggested that the reference is probably to, “Some kingly gift that Hiram king of Tyre had presented to Solomon. People gazed upon the cunning work and admired it; but the wise king saw in the costly rarity a parable of something higher.
Pro 25:11. A word fitly spoken would be the right thing said at the right time, in the right place, to the right person, in the right way, and for the right purpose. For something to be right, everything about it must be right. Is it any wonder, then, that Jas 3:2 says, If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man? Reseach on apples of gold in network of silver is in order. Many contend for a silver basket containing beautiful orange fruit. Most writers contend that apples from the Hebrew word tappuach) was not our apple but possibly the orange, or more probably the apricot. Tristram (writing in Land of Israel) says, I have no hesitation in expresing my conviction that the apricot alone is the apple of Scripture…Everywhere the apricot is common; perhaps it is, with the single exception of the fig, the most abundant fruit of the country. In highlands and lowlands alike, by the shores of the Mediterranean and on the banks of the Jordan, in the nooks of Judea, under the heights of Lebanon, in the recesses of Galiliee, and in the glades of Gilead, the apricot flourishes and yields a crop of prodigious abundance. Its characteristics meet every condition of the tappauch of Scripture. Then a word fitly spoken is as perfect as a beautiful, delicious group of golden apricots in a basket made of silver. See also Pro 15:23.
Pro 25:12. Just as they bestowed comeliness upon their faces by golden ornaments, so listening to parents wise counsel and to wise reproofs would grace ones life (Pro 1:9 and this verse). In the New Testament women especially are instructed to adorn and ornament their lives with spiritual beauty instead of majoring upon physical beauty (1Pe 3:3-5; 1Ti 2:9-10).
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
word: Pro 15:23, Pro 24:26, Ecc 12:10, Isa 50:4
fitly spoken: Heb. spoken upon his wheels
is like: Rather “is like golden apples (tappuchim, in Arabic, tuffach), in baskets (maskeeyoth, in Arabic, shakeekat) of silver.” A word spoken with propriety, opportunely, and suitably to the occasion, is as much in its place, and as conspicuously beautiful, as the golden fruit which appears through the apertures of an exquisitely wrought silver basket.
Reciprocal: Gen 41:37 – the thing Jdg 8:3 – Then 1Sa 24:16 – Is this 2Ki 5:14 – went he down Ezr 10:5 – arose Job 6:25 – forcible Psa 37:30 – General Psa 85:8 – folly Pro 10:20 – tongue Pro 12:25 – but Pro 16:24 – Pleasant Pro 18:20 – General Pro 22:18 – fitted Ecc 10:12 – words Mat 12:35 – good man Luk 4:22 – the gracious Act 6:5 – the saying Eph 4:29 – that which Col 4:6 – your
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Pro 25:11. A word fitly spoken As to the matter, and season, and other circumstances of it; is like apples of gold in pictures of silver Which, it seems, were usual in those times, and were grateful to the eye for the beauty and variety both of the colours and figures, the golden apples appearing through the net-work of silver, or being engraven, or portrayed, upon tablets of silver. Some translate the clause, Golden apples in vessels of silver, and think that, by golden apples, citrons or oranges are meant, or some fruit of the like kind and colour, which, put into silver vessels, appear the more beautiful by the contrast of the whiteness of the silver with their golden colour. Bishop Lowth observes, that Solomon in this sentence gives us not only an apt description of the proverb or parable, but also an example of the thing described. He means, in these words, that weighty and hidden meanings are as much commended by a concise and well-turned speech, as apples, exquisite for their colour, appear more lovely and pleasing when they shine through the net-work of a silver basket exquisitely chased: see his twenty-fourth lecture.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
"Gold" may refer to the color of the fruit or, probably, to the precious metal. "Settings" suggests an appropriate background such as an attractive basket or frame, if the picture of an apple is in view. The point is that just the right words spoken at the right time in the right way can be as pleasing as a beautiful piece of fruit in a suitable container. [Note: Cf. Whybray, The Book . . ., p. 148.]