Rachel Whisman

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.”

-Proverbs 25:11

I stand at my door and let my second class leave as they rotate to their last class. Already standing at my door is my last class, my homeroom class. I have just one more class before I dismiss them for the day. My body feels the weariness of it being the last part of the day, but only one more block. I tell myself, “I can do this.” I greet my class, and as they come in, one student pauses before entering the room. He looks up at me with his caring eyes and then speaks the following words that melt my heart, “Ms.Whisman, every time I see you I just want to smile.” He grins and then enters the class to prepare for our read-aloud. I, however, am left in a puddle of emotions at the door. A sweet and caring young boy spoke words that encouraged me when I was ready for that day to end. It gave me a pep in my step. It refreshed me to finish the day well. They were words that were “fitly spoken”. They were said at the right time and place, and God had orchestrated it all. A kindness on His end that I am thankful for. 

Thinking about this moment in the classroom, I was reminded of Proverbs 25:11 which says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” This student said words in that moment that were timely. A sweet gift that was just simply encouraging to me. Reflecting on this Proverb, it made me think about the two categories of words that are “fitly spoken.” Culture provides a rubric on words that are ”fitly spoken” and so does God. 

Our Culture says that “fitly spoken words” are whatever you need to say no matter what the consequence may be. Reality TV thrives off of slandering others. Social media banks off our cynicism. Relationships can be formed by your willingness to belittle others. Yet, even we Christians can enjoy grumbling about our complaints about the day or making rude remarks about what another person did that irritated us. I know I am guilty. This way of speaking is marked by a road of least resistance. It is normal and socially acceptable to do so. However, these words are more “like apples of decay in a setting of mold.” They produce nothing valuable, but only stench. They demean a person made in the image of God and ultimately do not bring honor to the Lord. It doesn’t highlight anything but just draws more attention to the odor. 

By God’s grace, we can speak words “like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” We can build others up or help continue to build a pit they might already be in. We can exhort one another and share how we see Christ in them. It is in our realm to exercise self-control and withhold words that would not be encouraging. Also, to urge one another on with the hope of Christ when they are burdened. We can stop and pray right there with someone to be a voice of peace amid a frustrating circumstance. Whatever comes out our mouths either seek to please the Lord or ourselves. In addition, don’t forget that the Bible is only filled with words that are “fitly spoken”. Immerse yourself in them, so that the overflow in your life would be from these words that can give life to others.

Still, taken aback a week later by this, it reminded me that words do matter. You never know how the Lord is going to use what you say to help someone out. So go and speak tenderly, truthfully, and timely. The Lord has given us words to speak, may we steward them well.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14