A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. -- Proverbs 25:11

Apples of gold in a setting of silver -- a treasured symbol of prosperity and favor during the time of Solomon. It was jewelry or art at its best. What could compare? A timely word; a word fitly spoken. If you’ve ever been the recipient of such a word, you will agree.

My father continued to live on his beloved farm long after retiring from active farming. He loved sitting out under the big oak trees in his front yard. I loved sitting there with him, too, especially if I was in the midst of a big decision regarding my own family or ministry. My father had only a ninth-grade education, but he had vast wisdom beyond what any formal education could bestow. Often after listening to my dilemma, he would suggest a new perspective with only a brief phrase that opened my eyes to what I had been missing. Those were words fitly spoken, and they were invaluable to me. They had four characteristics: They were timely, relevant, loving and life-giving.

In the larger view, there is an ultimate word fitly spoken. God waited thousands of years as mankind struggled to find a way back to the Garden of Eden with God. Finally, he spoke with clarity the one Word that would more than qualify as fitly spoken.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our father by the prophets but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:1-2a ESV)

All previous messengers who delivered messages from God to his people were faithful but incomplete, but finally God put all his thoughts into one Word and displayed him to the world. It was the right time.

But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5)

He is always relevant. He came revealing the true nature of God and humans. He identified the one primary problem causing a scourge in the earth and solved it with his own sacrificial death. He revealed the purpose of life, and the joy possible when people hear his word and believe.

Though sometimes including a warning, his Word is incomparably loving. Since God is love, he does everything from that motivation. He never manipulates his people. Even in the midst of confusing circumstances, his people have learned that his love never fails. We have no good reason to fear his word. It comes from the heart of love.

When he speaks, life happens. Just like in the beginning, God spoke and the world came into existence, today his word still has regenerating power. When we really hear him, the ability to believe and align is given by the very same word.

When you want something even better than the best of art or jewelry, try listening to the ultimate "Word fitly spoken."