Each Lord’s Day, I will be sharing with you a series of weekly and topical devotionals entitled A Word Fitly Spoken. The title is taken from Proverbs 25:11 which says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”
Proverbs 25 is a from King Solomon. The word proverb means “to be like.” Therefore, a proverb is a collection of sayings, using both metaphors and similes, in order to articulate profound, biblical truths. The overall theme and purpose of Proverbs in general, and Proverb 25:11 in particular, is summarized in Proverbs 1:1-7.
1The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, 3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; 4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— 5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, 6 to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:1–7 (ESV)
The Holy Spirit inspired Solomon, and others, in this collection of short, pithy sayings (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Since the Book of Proverbs is categorized as wisdom literature, the ultimate purpose of a proverb is the acquisition of wisdom by the reader. Wisdom is the practical application of biblical truth. This overall goal is set forth in vs. 2. Specific reasons and particular recipients of wisdom are found in vs. 3-4. The y include:
- To know wisdom. Vs. 2.
- To know instruction. Vs. 2.
- To understand words of insight. Vs. 2.
- To receive instruction in wise dealing. Vs. 3.
- To receive instruction in righteousness. Vs. 3.
- To receive instruction in justice. Vs. 3.
- To receive instruction in equity. Vs. 3.
- To give prudence to the simple. Vs. 4.
- To give knowledge and discretion to the youth. Vs. 4.
In Proverbs 25:11, Solomon placed great importance upon an individual’s words being “fitly spoken.” In the Hebrew language, fitly means proper or appropriate. A wise individual’s communication should be suitable. This refers to the time, occasion, and manner of what an individual says. In other words, it is not only important to know what to say but also how, when, why, where and to whom to say it.
The king says communicating in such a wise way is indirectly compared to golden apples in a decorative setting of silver. Appropriate and wise speech is compared to a work of art.
“This kind of proverbial comparison simply places two or more things side by side. (cf. vs. 18), leaving the reader to work out the nature of the comparison. The importance of well-chosen words, a common wisdom theme, is highlighted by their comparison with objects of fine craftsmanship,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“An appropriate and properly timed word (cf. 15:23; 24:26)—which sometimes may be a rebuke —can be attractive and valuable, like gold apples set against a silver sculpture or carving, or like a gold earring or other ornament,” states one commentator in the Bible Knowledge Commentary.
It is with this understanding from Proverbs 25:11, we will be considering, meditating upon and applying the biblical doctrine and theme of the holiness of God. This series concerning God’s holiness, and consequently the believers’, will examine what the biblical text says about the holiness of God, what the biblical text means and how this truth may be applied in our lives.
The loss of the traditional vision of God as holy is now manifested everywhere in the evangelical world. It is the key to understanding why sin and grace have become such empty terms. What depth or meaning, P.T. Forsyth asked, can these terms have except in relation to the holiness of God? Divorced from the holiness of God, sin is merely self-defeating behavior or a breach in etiquette. Divorced from the holiness of God, grace is merely empty rhetoric, pious window dressing for the modern technique by which sinners work out their own salvation. Divorced from the holiness of God, our gospel becomes indistinguishable from any of a host of alternative self-help doctrines. Divorced from the holiness of God, our public morality is reduced to little more than an accumulation of trade-offs between competing private interests. Divorced from the holiness of God, our worship becomes mere entertainment. The holiness of God is the [foundation of reality]. Sin is defiance of God’s holiness, the Cross is the outworking and victory of God’s holiness, and faith is the recognition of God’s holiness. Knowing that God is holy is therefore the key to knowing life as it truly is, knowing Christ as he truly is, knowing why he came, and knowing how life will end. — David Wells – No Place for Truth, Whatever Happened to Evangelical Theology
I encourage you to begin reading, and even memorize, the following verses from the Apostle Peter, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. I pray the text will be not only our launching pad in this study, but also remain our goal throughout our life and ministry.
13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13–16 (ESV)
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.
Until next week, Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 