"A Word Painting"

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. " Proverbs 25:11

This is an interesting word picture to describe our words when they are spoken at the right time. They are compared to "apples of gold in pictures of silver".

Let's break it down this morning to grasp the meaning.

There is an old saying- "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". A word spoken correctly will bring "health" to the hearer. Our words either build up or tear down. So we want to speak words that bring health and healing to the hearts and minds of others.

Gold is one of the precious metals. It is highly valued and has an expensive price. It represents the divine nature of God. His words are always precious and should be valued. When we use our words wisely, we are reflecting His nature.

Pictures has the translation of more than just an object hanging on a wall to look at. It is also an image, a show piece, figure, even an idol. When we speak to others, we are leaving an "image" with them. (Our words truly do paint pictures.) It is either an image of defeat and discouragement, or its an image that builds faith, hope and encouragement. When we speak to others, we want to leave them with a "show piece"- something they can go back to and "look" at over and over again, and each time be encouraged.

Silver is another precious metal- right up there at the top. It symbolizes redemption. Our words have a redeeming power about them- if they are used correctly. They can deliver someone who is feeling weak, unloved, worthless, no good, forgotten. How amazing, just one word can completely change a person's life. A word is all it takes sometimes for someone to change- a word of kindness, a word of compassion, a word of mercy, a word of grace, a word of encouragement or even a word of correction that is spoken in love.

Did you "get the picture"? Seeing the beautiful picture that our words can paint should cause us to consider what we say, how we say it and when it say it.

Have a great day. Our words are painting a picture. The question is, "What kind of picture are they painting?"

For further reading:
Psalm 19:14
James 3:5
Proverbs 18:21; 15:4
1 Timothy 6:3,4

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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