The Golden Apple

Nº 362

JuLY 8, 2025

Say nothing you would not like God to hear. - J.C. Ryle

Proverbs 25:11 proclaims, “A word fitly spoken, is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Words matter. As does the context. The right words said graciously and kindly can be soothing and beneficial. The wrong words, spoken spitefully and severely, can be painful and destructive.

The content of what we say is critical. The words we use are the apples of gold. Speaking the truth is essential as we articulate what we believe and share what we know with others. The way we express ourselves creates the setting of silver.

Too often our apples of gold lose their luster as they are presented in ways that are harsh, uncaring, critical, and hurtful. The context within which we present our ‘apples of gold’ is also important. The ‘setting of silver’ is the timing of our comments, our tone of voice, and the intensity we use when addressing others.

Just because people lack awareness, disagree with us, or misunderstand our apples of gold does not grant us permission to abandon our settings of silver.

Paul said it this way, “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Don’t abandon the golden apples of truth but always share them in a setting of silver.

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin

Author & President