Apples of Gold

Proverbs 25:1 introduces another section in the Book of Proverbs. This time it is a group of Solomon’s proverbs which are collected by King Hezekiah, running from Proverbs 25:1 to Proverbs 29:27. I think that Proverbs 25:11 best sums up what to expect as you read through these proverbs. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Each proverb is practical description of how to live wisely. Wisdom has been described as the appropriate application of knowledge. In other words, wisdom is the ability to live out what we know. The proverbs in this section tend to paint pictures for us. Pictures of what self-control might look like. Pictures of mourning. Pictures of prudence and faithfulness. Each picture is designed to stick with us and offer guidance on how we talk, how we act, how we respond to others, and how we think. Like all wisdom literature, these proverbs seek to embed themselves in our hearts, minds, and hands. Pictures stay with us. They help us remember what we know and how we live. These proverbs are words “fitly spoken.” They are like a treasure of gold and silver, offering us something tangible to embed on our hearts and live out in our lives. Enjoy the pictures as you read the words.