Proverbs 25:11 (CSB)

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

How beautiful is your speech? Imagine a centerpiece on a beautiful table…a spectacular silver platter on which rests several glistening, 24-carat gold apples. The light catches them just right and the entire setting appears to glow with majesty, warmth, and beauty. When we say the right thing at the right time…our speech can have a similar effect.

Right words used the right way at the right time are wonderful and can bring with them myriads of blessings. Jesus always used the right words at the right time with perfect motivation (love) and the results were amazing! Some were cut to the core while others were brought back to life. Some felt the depth of His love and forgiveness while others felt the startling power of His stern rebukes. As for the rest of us, even if we speak with the tongues of angels – captivating, powerful, and beautiful – if our motivation is not love, then we are just clanging cymbals and banging gongs (1 Cor. 13:1).

We must choose our words well and wait for the proper timing in order to ensure that our words are like “apples of gold in a setting of silver.” We need to speak words of life rather than words of death. We need to speak words that lift people up rather than tearing them down. And when our words are used to address sin or to challenge a brother or sister in the faith, we need to make sure our motivation for speaking them is pure…and that the choice of those words is wise.

Do you know how it feels to be encouraged? Do you know how it feels to be built up? Do you know how it feels to be comforted or consoled or cared for by the sweet utterances of a dear friend? Those moments should not be the exception in the lives of Believers…they should be happening more often than not. The next time you have something to say to someone, ask yourself this simple question: Would these words make for a beautiful centerpiece on a table surrounded by friends?