A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)
I’ve liked this Proverb since I was in my twenties, because a motherly friend gave me the book, Apples of Gold, to encourage me through some maturing times in my marriage. I still remember reading these words: “Some women are so busy trying to make good husbands that they forget to make good wives.” I had to refocus a couple of things.
Words fascinate me. I like word paintings where “wildflowers” and “meadowlarks” fill a “meadow.” I enjoy imaginative words like “kaleidoscope” or “hippopotamus.” I especially like to combine words; I can put “chocolate” together with “doughnut” or “truffle” and literally taste them.
Words weave thoughts into pictures and emotions. I do not understand how our brain decides what words to say and then speeds that information on to our tiny, but powerful, tongues. (Sometimes the tongue speaks faster than the brain).
I don’t understand hearing either. How do our ears pick up sound vibrations and convert them into intelligent, meaningful data at unthinkable speeds? How do we distinguish between what is said and what is meant? What makes a word worth listening to? How can we discern its value or its truth?
Even at my age, I am still sorting through silly preconceived ideas. This is a funny and embarrassing example. When I was a child, living on the Wind River Reservation, with no running water or inside facilities, I remember hearing that America was the richest country in the world. I believed that and felt sorry for all the other poor nations who didn’t have it as good as we did.
I did finish high school and I studied history; yet I still had that little misconceived idea in the back of my mind. When I was in my fifties I went to London, England. I stood around like a cartoon character with my mouth open at the gold covered statues, fountains, and gates. I even got separated (scary) from my tour group as I stood amazed at the pomp and splendor of the horses and marching bands as they changed the guards at Buckingham Palace.
Words are important! Truth is vital! Jesus is the ultimate Word. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning (John 1:1-2).
Jesus not only said the right words, He had the body language to back them up. He laid His life down to support His words. He thoroughly communicated His Father’s heart to a lost and hurting world.
Because of Jesus’ words, we can speak words of faith and life to others. We have God’s Word to back us up!
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)
