Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Original Language Analysis
תַּפּוּחֵ֣י
is like apples
H8598
תַּפּוּחֵ֣י
is like apples
Strong's:
H8598
Word #:
1 of 8
an apple (from its fragrance), i.e., the fruit or the tree (probably including others of the pome order, as the quince, the orange, etc.)
זָ֭הָב
of gold
H2091
זָ֭הָב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
2 of 8
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
בְּמַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת
in pictures
H4906
בְּמַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת
in pictures
Strong's:
H4906
Word #:
3 of 8
a figure (carved on stone, the wall, or any object); figuratively, imagination
כָּ֑סֶף
of silver
H3701
כָּ֑סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
4 of 8
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
דָּ֝בָ֗ר
A word
H1697
דָּ֝בָ֗ר
A word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
דָּבֻ֥ר
spoken
H1696
דָּבֻ֥ר
spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Proverbs 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!Isaiah 50:4The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.Ecclesiastes 12:10The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.Proverbs 24:26Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued eloquence and artful speech. While biblical wisdom condemns manipulative flattery, it celebrates truthful skillful communication. Ecclesiastes 12:10 describes the Preacher seeking 'acceptable words' that were 'upright, even words of truth.' Proverbs consistently values wise speech: 'Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones' (16:24).
Questions for Reflection
- What makes speech 'fitly spoken' - how do content, timing, and delivery contribute?
- When have you experienced or offered perfectly timed words that were extraordinarily valuable?
- How can you develop skill in crafting beautiful, valuable, appropriate communication?
Analysis & Commentary
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. The Hebrew 'davar' (word/matter) and 'al ophnayv' (on its wheels/aptly) describe perfectly timed, appropriately crafted speech. Beautiful imagery: golden apples in silver settings - aesthetically perfect, valuable, artfully arranged. Right words at right time are similarly beautiful and valuable. This verse celebrates skillful communication - content, timing, and delivery all appropriate.