He
layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous (Prov 2:7)
Interacting With: Others - Our Message:
Proverbs 25:11-15
11) A word fitly
spoken [is like] apples of gold in
pictures of silver.
12) [As] an earring of gold,
and an ornament of fine gold, [so is]
a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
13) As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he
refresheth the soul of his masters.
14) Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] clouds and wind without rain.
15) By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue
breaketh the bone.
In
this section of Scripture, we will be instructed concerning our interaction
with others. Especially Solomon will be
addressing what our message should be as we communicate with those around us…
EXPOSITION:
There
are some general guidelines that we can apply to our speech with others, no
matter who they might be…
11) A word fitly
spoken [is like] apples of gold in
pictures of silver.
1. When our speech is seasonably spoken (is
proper for the situation),
2. it is like fruit from the tree made of gold that
is inserted into engraved silver tablets.
In
other words, when we speak words that are beneficial in the situation being
discussed, they are of the greatest value and beauty (like a picture made of
pure silver with golden apples embedded in it.)
“The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should
know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning
by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.” (Isaiah 50:4)
12) [As] an earring of gold,
and an ornament of fine gold, [so is]
a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
1. When a person who delivers conviction using
the application of God’s Word
2. And when the hearer submits to the message of
conviction
3. It is of great value and pleasing in the
sight of God (much like a nose ring of gold, or a piece of jewelry made of pure
gold.
When
Godly words of warning are used to correct a sinner, the sinner is greatly
profited, pleased and beautified by the application of these words to his life.
“Let the righteous
smite me; [it shall be] a kindness: and let him reprove me; [it shall be] an
excellent oil, [which] shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also [shall
be] in their calamities. When their judges are overthrown in stony places,
they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.” (Psalms
141:5-6)
13) As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he
refresheth the soul of his masters.
1. Like something that is cold like snow (an ice
cold drink, or an ice cold rag) is given to those working in the harvest fields,
it gives them renewed strength to accomplish their task
2. In the same way, a trustworthy messenger can
bring refreshment to his master, who knows that the messenger will successfully
deliver the message that is given to him.
Faithfully
delivering the message of the Word to those in need brings great pleasure to
our Master in heaven. Likewise , our
faithfulness in any task given to us brings joy and pleasure to our human
masters as well.
“A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador
[is] health.” (Proverbs 13:17)
14) Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift [is like] clouds and wind without rain.
1. A person who brags that he will supply the
needs of one in want (with no intention of giving it)
2. is like a seemingly stormy day of clouds and
wind that does not result in rain.
We
should always make sure that we not only recognize those who have needs, but
also take an active role in fulfilling their needs. Good intentions are of no value to those who
are in need. To promise the fulfillment
of a need without carrying through with the promise is hypocrisy, deceit, and
unfaithfulness (to the promise of aid that was made).
“To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly
among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of
all their hard [speeches] which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers,
complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great
swelling [words], having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved,
remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord
Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the
last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who
separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.” (Jude 1:15-19)
15) By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue
breaketh the bone.
1. By patient, consistent appeals, those in
authority will be convinced
2. Although they may appear to be hardened as
bone on an issue, when a kind, gentle tongue is used consistently they will be
crushed.
Consistent,
kind, genuine speech (when linked with patience) can persuade the hardest of
hearts of a matter. Although it may seem
to be an impossible task, through the Lord’s grace and the proper use of our
speech, the impossible can become reality.
“If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place;
for yielding pacifieth great offences. There is an evil [which] I have seen under the sun, as
an error [which] proceedeth from the ruler: Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in
low place.” (Ecclesiastes
10:4-6)
SUMMARY:
There
are some general guidelines that we can apply to our speech:
1. words that are beneficial in the situation
being discussed are of the greatest value and beauty
2. Godly words of warning are of a great gain
for those willing to apply them to their life.
3. Our faithfulness in any task given to us
brings joy and pleasure to our master.
4. To promise the fulfillment of a need without
carrying through is hypocrisy, deceit, and unfaithfulness.
5. Consistent, kind, genuine speech, with
patience, can persuade the hardest of hearts of a matter.
May
we all possess Godly wisdom and live our lives for Him.
By
God’s grace, let us all study these proverbs diligently, giving them the value
that they deserve.
May the
Lord bless us as we receive this sound wisdom and then “Think On These Things”.
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