HELEN SANDERS

5-5-2026

A WORD FITLY SPOKEN

Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” A better rendering of this verse is the Amplified Version, which reads: “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken at the right time.”

This verse lets us know that when we say the right things at the right time, they are precious to the hearer. I can’t imagine the value of a solid gold apple, but it would be worth a lot. So, it is with a word given at the right time.

Words bring life or death. We should choose our words wisely. Psalm 119 is full of scriptures that speak of the word. Verse 105 calls it “a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path.”  

Are the words we speak bringing light to someone in darkness? Are they helping them find the right path in life?  Sometimes we may know some truth about a situation, but it is better that we don’t speak. We must use wisdom when we use words because a harsh word can destroy someone. 

Our church had a thrift shop and sold really nice used and sometimes new with tags clothing. We had some formal wear and a lady that was somewhat on the plump size tried one of these dresses on. She asked me how it looked.

Now, that dress was really tight on her, and it did not look nice at all. I could have been rude and told her that it was too small for her large body, but that would not have been the right thing to say. Instead, I said, I think something else might work better. She was pleased with a different selection, and felt good about herself.

Think of each time when you go to speak, is it bringing gold and silver in a frame to the hearer, that will encourage them, or is it bringing a broken frame shattered by words. If we do this, we might make the world a little better.

Have I ever spoken words I regretted because I saw they hurt someone? Yes, and I had to repent. I learned the hard way what words can do. It can destroy relationships and cause deep hurt that may never be healed. 

On the other hand, I have seen how my words have helped others. This is what we are here for in these newsletters, to bring you apples of gold in frames of silver. May each day be framed with God’s best.