Tag: Proverbs 25:11-12
Word pictures!
Scripture reading for July 10: Proverbs 25-29
“A word aptly 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.” Proverbs 25:11-12
Word pictures help us to grasp and remember sayings of the wise. These word pictures come back to us and we can meditate on them and begin to apply them and pray for God to work them into our lives. This is the process of the renewing of the mind. It involves us reading the sayings and then remembering them and saying them again and again. We allow them to come into our heart and bring understanding.
This proverb tells us of words that are spoken at just the right time and in the right tone. They are not many words but sometimes only a “word”. They are beautiful to look at as fine art and have a good ring in our ear. They bring to mind pictures that can reveal more to us than words. They are the “pleasant words that promote instruction”. (Proverbs 16:21)
The earring of gold or ornament of fine gold reminded the reader of what a “listening ear” might look like if it received correction from a wise man. It would be pleasant to look at and decorated beautifully with richness of fine gold. The wise man receives correction so that he can be wiser still. The fool rejects correction and has no earring of fine gold!
“Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.” Proverbs 25:19
This proverb uses a painful bad tooth or a lame foot that can’t support any weight because of the pain and brokenness to tell a story to those who will listen. An unfaithful man is just like that tooth that aches and causes discomfort. He is like the lame foot that is of no help moving forward or carrying a load. Faithfulness is a prized character trait of the wise and choosing faithful helpers, counselors and leaders is a wise move for everyone who has an ear to hear this word aptly spoken!
The proverbs contain many more of these pithy statements and word pictures that carry a picture and a message. Take some time and jot down several that speak to you. Share them with a spouse, friend or fellow-traveler in this journey through life. Your just may put a “gold earring or ornament of fine gold” in the listening ear!
Bold preaching after true conversion!
Scripture reading for February 3rd: Acts 9, Psalm 25, Proverbs 25
Acts 9: 26-29 “And when he had come to Jerusalem, he (Paul) attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, Who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the Name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the Name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.”
Paul was truly a changed man, but it took time and consistent behavior to convince even some in the church family. Barnabas, an encouraging man, took Paul aside and listened to his story. He then brought him before the apostles and explained Paul’s encounter with Jesus and how he began to boldly preach the Gospel in Damascus. This changed minds and hearts, and Paul then resumed preaching Jesus in Jerusalem among the Greek-speaking Jews. This stirred up more trouble and talk of murdering Paul. He was sent away to Tarsus and God brought a time of peace to the church in Jerusalem.
Psalm 25:8-9 “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for patiently teaching sinners who humbly repent and will listen to Your instruction. Your Word strikes our hearts and transforms us from murders to bold proclaimers of Jesus Christ. You guide our path and open doors as we patiently follow Your instruction. Use me to boldly proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and give me words in season like apple of gold in settings of silver. Amen!
Proverbs 25:11-12 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.”