Proverbs 25

Baskets of Silver

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (KJV)
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (NIV)
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances. (NASB)
Timely advice is as lovely as golden apples in a silver basket. (NLT)
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (HNB)


This is one of my favorite scripture verses.  It serves as a paradigm of the small Bible verse rife with great meaning.


"A word fitly spoken" to me refers to one person sharing the Word of God with another person when the other person is in need of spiritual guidance.  It is possible to share human thoughts and words, but these will fail.  Only God's Word will endure forever, thus it can only be God's Word that is "aptly" or "fitly" spoken.


The translation "...apples of gold in settings of silver"  best captures the intent of the proverb.  The Hebrew word maskiyth (pronounced mas-keth) is the word translated as "settings" or "pictures" or "baskets" and is indicative of finely worked sterling with interlaced or decorative silver work.  It indicates that an artisan took time to carefully design the pattern. This word is the key to understanding this verse.

There are three main subjects in the verse: the word, the golden apples, and the silver settings.  The word is God's Word, the Bible, or a Word from the Lord. The golden apples represent the Holy Spirit, the purity of God.  The silver settings represent us, the believer.

When we speak a Word from the Lord, we are delivering gold wrapped in finely worked silver.  The observer sees the silver, the fine work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  When he/she hears the Word, they begin to look at the silver setting and through the pattern they see the golden apples - God!  We hide and contain the the Gold of God in the silver of our lives.  As we repeat and rehearse the apt Word of God to those in need, they begin to see the gold of God's word in our lives.

The apple in the Bible is almost always representative of something that God loves.  Israel is the apple of His eye. The Song of Solomon uses apples as a metaphor for something to be desired, a comforting fruit, a blessing.  Thus, by extension, the apples of gold that Solomon speaks of in this verse are the comforting and desirable Word of God.

As Christians, it is imperative that we share the apt Word of God to those in need.