A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold

.... In settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master (Proverbs 25:11-13). I have the sense that jewellery is not treasured as much in our day, as it was even decades ago. I remember a song entitled “Diamonds are a girls best friend.” The metaphors in the first two of this morning's proverbs then speak of the treasure of apt words spoken well, and  at the right time, and in the right way. The first of the two reminds me of the purpose of the gift of prophecy, that is the rhama words of God spoke for others with the purpose of “edification, encouragement, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). And such words are precious indeed.

A wise rebuke aptly spoken is also a treasure, though it may not at first feel that way. Acknowledging this, another proverb put it this way “faithful are the wounds of a friend” (27:6).  A wise rebuke is has the same motivation as the Lord who rebukes and disciplines us for our good (Hebrews 12:10).  The foolish hate this, but if you “rebuke a wise man and he will love you.  Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still” (Proverbs 9:8,9). Of course it still should be done aptly!

The third of this morning's proverbs is about representing our masters faithfully in messages with which we are entrusted. The word ambassador comes to mind. Clearly as part of this, we are to represent our earthly employers well. But it finds its fulfillment in our call to be ambassadors for Christ. He has entrusted unto us the message and “ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).  What we are being told here, with regard to this, is that when we do this faithfully,  it refreshes Holy Spirit.

Father, as You well know, we live in a culture that is hostile to the gospel. Some of it is our fault, and where it is we repent this morning on our own behalf and behalf of You church. Thank You for reminding us this morning whether we are  speaking the gospel or not,  our words need to be apt words,  full of grace and seasoned with salt. We also need Your wisdom, so that we may know how to answer each one, saved or unsaved (Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:15). Please take control of our tongues Lord, so that we may glorify You with our words. And we will give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen