5 Kinds of Words: Proverbs 25:11-15
Pro 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
Pro 25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Pro 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Pro 25:14 Whoso boasts of himself falsely presenting as possessing a gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
Pro 25:15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.
Scriptural Steppingstones: What Do Fit Words Look Like?
As we ask the Lord to train us in the discipline of “fit words,” He begins to lead us through Scripture one steppingstone at a time. One passage on this subject is found in Proverbs 25:11–15. In just five verses, Solomon identifies five distinct kinds of words and the effect each has upon those who hear them.
1. Appropriate Words
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11, KJV)
The phrase fitly spoken literally conveys the idea of a word spoken at the right time, in the right way, and for the right purpose. These are not cliches or rehearsed speeches. They are timely, appropriate, and designed for the moment.
Like apples of gold displayed in settings of silver, such words possess both beauty and value. They fit the occasion so perfectly that they become memorable, repeatable and life-giving.
Fit words are words that not only stand out, but become cornerstones going forward. (I have a dream. MLK) What is so profound about Martin Luther King’s words wasn’t their intellectual gravity, but the softness of his words, I have a dream, created a movement, not a riot or protest. They brought a nation closer together than no legislation or defiant march could. They basically challenged the nation to “drop their guns and swords.”
2. Reproving Words
“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”
(Proverbs 25:12)
Correction is rarely welcomed unless there is wisdom on one side and humility on the other. Solomon compares the words of a wise reprover to fine gold jewelry worn by someone who appreciates its beauty and worth. And what do you do with fine jewelry? You put it on and show it off.
Reproof is not intended to shame but to refine. When offered with wisdom and received with humility, corrective words become treasured gifts that strengthen character. Often, with a “fit word of correction” it is delivered in such a way as to provide correction as an expression of love.
3. Refreshing Words
“As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refreshes the soul of his masters.” (Proverbs 25:13, KJV)
During harvest, workers labored under the heat of the day. A refreshing drink cooled with snow brought from the mountains would have been deeply satisfying. In the same way, faithful words refresh weary hearts. Honest communication, reliable insight, encouragement, and truth delivered with integrity revive , restore and redeem those to those who receive them.
Fit words build up your strength.
4. Vain Words
“Whoso boasts of himself of something he doesn’t have is like a cloud and wind without rain.” (Proverbs 25:14, KJV)
Some words promise much but deliver nothing.
Solomon compares empty boasting and false promises to dark clouds driven by the wind that appear ready to bring rain but leave the ground dry. They create expectations only to produce disappointment. They are words that exaggerate, manipulate, or promise what cannot be delivered erode trust.
Fit words are trustworthy because they are backed by integrity.
5. Persuasive Words
“By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.” (Proverbs 25:15)
The strongest words are not always the loudest or most forceful words. Some words spoken are gentle, as if placing a bandage on an open wound. And forbearing words are the one’s we hold back from saying, and they become like rock in a slingshot – crossing over the disruption to hit the target (the problem) not the person.
Solomon teaches that patience, gentleness, and perseverance possess remarkable influence. A harsh tongue often hardens resistance, but a gentle tongue can overcome even the strongest opposition. What force cannot accomplish, wisdom and kindness often can.
Fit words are marked by patience, understanding, and self-control.