A word fitly spoken
The phrase "a word fitly spoken" emphasizes the power and importance of timely and appropriate speech. The Hebrew root for "fitly" (אָפַן, 'aphan) suggests something that is turned or set in a proper manner, indicating that the right word at the right time is crafted with wisdom and precision. In the historical context of ancient Israel, where oral communication was paramount, the ability to speak wisely was highly valued. This phrase encourages believers to seek divine guidance in their speech, ensuring that their words are not only true but also delivered at the most opportune moment, reflecting the wisdom of God.

is like apples of gold
The imagery of "apples of gold" evokes a sense of beauty, rarity, and value. In ancient times, gold was a symbol of wealth and purity, often used in the construction of sacred objects and royal adornments. The "apples" here may not refer to literal fruit but rather to something precious and desirable. This comparison suggests that words spoken with wisdom and grace are as valuable and cherished as the finest treasures. For the conservative Christian, this serves as a reminder of the eternal value of godly wisdom and the impact it can have on others.

in settings of silver
The "settings of silver" further enhance the imagery of beauty and worth. Silver, like gold, was a precious metal in biblical times, often used in the crafting of jewelry and temple artifacts. The combination of gold and silver in this proverb underscores the harmonious and complementary nature of wise speech. Just as a skilled artisan carefully sets a precious gem, so too should believers strive to frame their words with care and consideration. This phrase calls Christians to be mindful of how their words are presented, ensuring that they reflect the purity and holiness of their faith.

(11) A word fitly spoken.--Or, it may be, at the proper time. (Comp. Proverbs 15:23.)

Apples of gold in pictures of silver.--Probably golden-coloured apples are meant, or fruit of the same tint, such as pomegranates, citrons, or oranges. "Pictures" of silver probably means "figures," i.e., baskets or dishes of ornamental work.

Verse 11. - One of the emblematical distiches in which this collection is rich. A word fitly spoken. עַל־אָפְנָיו may be translated "in due season," or "upon its wheels" (Venetian, ἐπὶ τῶν τροχῶν αὐτῆς). In the latter case the phrase may mean a word quickly formed, or moving easily, spoken ore rotundo, or a speedy answer. But the metaphor is unusual and inappropriate; and it is best to understand a word spoken under due consideration of time and place. Vulgate, Qui loquitur verbum in tempore suo; Aquila and Theodotion, ἐπὶ ἁρμόζουσιν αὐτῷ, "in circumstances that suit it;" the Septuagint has simply οὕτως. Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. In these emblematical distichs the words, "is like," in the Authorized Version, are an insertion. The Hebrew places the two ideas merely in sequence; the object with which some, thing is compared usually coming before, that which is compared with it, as here, "Apples of gold - a word fitly spoken" (so in vers. 14, 18, 19, 26, 28). There is a doubt about the meaning of the word rendered "pictures," maskith (see on Proverbs 18:11). It seems to be used generally in the sense of "image," "sculpture," being derived from the verb שָׁכָה, "to see;" from this it comes to signify "ornament," and here most appropriately is "basket," and, as some understand, of filagree work. St. Jerome mistakes the word, rendering, in lectis argenteis. The Septuagint has, ἐν ὁρμίσκῳ σαρδίου, "on a necklace of sardius." "Apples of gold" are apples or other fruits of a golden colour, not made of gold, which would be very costly and heavy; nor would the comparison with artificial fruits be as suitable as that with natural. The "word" is the fruit set off by its circumstances, as the latter's beauty is enhanced by the grace of the vessel which contains it. The "apple" has been supposed to be the orange (called in late Latin pomum aurantium) or the citron. We may cite here the opinion of a competent traveller: "For my own part," says Canon Tristram ('Land of Israel,' p. 605), "I have no hesitation in expressing my conviction that the apricot alone is the 'apple' of Scripture Everywhere the apricot is common; perhaps it is, with the single exception of the fig, the most abundant fruit of the country. In highlands and lowlands alike, by the shores of the Mediterranean and on the banks of the Jordan, in the nooks of Judea, under the heights of Lebanon, in the recesses of Galilee, and in the glades of Gilead, the apricot flourishes, and yields a crop of prodiscus abundance. Its characteristics meet every condition of the 'tappuach' of Scripture. 'I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste' (Song of Solomon 2:3). Near Damascus, and on the banks of the Barada, we have pitched our tents under its shade, and spread our carpets secure from the rays of the sun. 'The smell of thy nose (shall be) like tappuach' (Song of Solomon 7:8). There can scarcely be a more deliciously perfumed fruit than the apricot; and what fruit can better fit the epithet of Solomon, 'apples of gold in pictures of silver,' than this golden fruit, as its branches bend under the weight in their setting of bright yet pale foliage?" Imagery similar to that found in this verse occurs in Proverbs 10:31; Proverbs 12:14; Proverbs 13:2; Proverbs 18:20. There is a famous article on the analogies between flowers and men's characters in the Spectator, No. 455.

Parallel Commentaries ...


A word
דָּ֝בָ֗ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

fitly
אָפְנָֽיו׃ (’ā·p̄ə·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 655: Circumstance, condition

spoken
דָּבֻ֥ר (dā·ḇur)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

[is like] apples
תַּפּוּחֵ֣י (tap·pū·ḥê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8598: An apple, the fruit, the tree

of gold
זָ֭הָב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

in settings
בְּמַשְׂכִּיּ֥וֹת (bə·maś·kî·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4906: A showpiece, figure, imagination

of silver.
כָּ֑סֶף (kā·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples (Prov. Pro Pr)