It's Like This
Proverbs 25:11-14 NASB
11 Like apples of gold in settings of silver,
Is a word spoken at the proper time.
12 Like an earring of gold and a jewelry piece of fine gold,
Is a wise person who offers rebukes to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
Is a faithful messenger to those who send him,
For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
Is a person who boasts of his gifts falsely.
I have an interest in how words and phrases change over the years. How the word "like" is used has changed where now phrases such as "be like" are common in social media. "It's like this" may have limited internet usage, but it will need to suffice for purposes of this devotional.
The NASB lists four verses in a row, starting with the word "like". Or we might say, "it's like this." Whatever works for you.
A word spoken with the right timing in the right circumstances be like apples of gold in settings of silver. Sorry, couldn't resist. But all kidding aside, a right word can carry such value. Apples of gold in silver settings would have been costly in Solomon's day and still is today. We tend to devalue words. But words carry great importance in God's Kingdom. Of all of God's creation, we are the only ones who can choose and speak words. And when they are right, they carry weight.
Continuing with the word and gold theme, someone who is a wise reprover or someone who corrects with wisdom is like a costly gold earring or ornament. But the value is only recognized by someone who has a listening ear. Everyone without impaired hearing can distinguish sounds. We can hear words. But simply because we hear does not mean we are listening. So the value of wise reproof or correction is only to the one with ears to hear. Jesus used the "ears to hear" phrase frequently. Not just the sound but a receptivity to what is being said.
A faithful messenger is like the cold of snow in the time of harvest. Evidently, a cold snow at harvest time was refreshing. Someone who carries out the instructions of the one who sent him is refreshing. Think about how blessed you are when you send someone to convey a message or handle a detail, and they get it done. We have many of these cold snow faithful people in the staff and leadership of the church. And they are a blessing. I don't know if they would appreciate being called cold snow unless they have read this verse. Or listened to this devotional.
The last "it's like this" takes on a warning tone. Someone who boasts about a gift that they didn't give is like clouds and wind without rain. A bunch of noise with no results. I love this metaphor. The wind blows, the clouds form, and nothing happens. Someone who is bragging about something they didn't do is noise with nothing else, just noise.
I love the simple yet profound wisdom of the Proverbs; they are like finding high-value treasure.