“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear” (Proverbs 25:11-12).
Fine jewelry which exquisitely combines precious metals with beautiful gems is stunning to the eye. Such craftsmanship is rare and noteworthy.
In this proverb, the multi-faceted beauty of such fine jewelry is comparable to a wise rebuker whose words of correction are heeded. The fitly spoken words of a loving rebuke—like the prophet Nathan’s to the adulterous, murderous king in 2 Samuel 12:1-7—were not scoffed at, rejected, or disregarded. Rather, the immediate response of David’s obedient ear and penitent heart was “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Sam. 12:13).
This proverb is not comparing apples of gold in setting of silver to just the words of the rebuker. It is pairing the gold of rebuke with the silver of an ear which is obedient to the rebuke.
Do you have a golden tongue when you rebuke? Do you have a silver ear when you are rebuked?
