Proverbs 25:11

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 25:11-12

Solomon here shows how much it becomes a man, 1. To speak pertinently: A word upon the wheels, that runs well, is well-circumstanced, in proper time and place?instruction, advice, or comfort, given seasonably, and in apt expressions, adapted to the case of the person spoken to and agreeing with the character of the person speaking?is like golden balls resembling apples, or like true apples of a golden colour (golden rennets), or perhaps gilded, as sometimes we have gilded laurels, and those... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken ,.... Or, "a word spoken on its wheels" F4 על אפניו "super rotis suis", Montanus, Piscator, so Kimchi and Ben Melech; "super rotationibus suis". Schultens. : that proceeds aright, keeps due order, is well circumstanced as to matter, method, time, place, and persons; a discourse well put together, properly pronounced, roundly, easily, and fluently delivered to proper persons, and adapted to their circumstances; and "seasonably" spoken, as the Targum and many... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 25:11

A word fitly spoken - אפניו על al ophannaiv , upon its wheels. An observation, caution, reproof, or advice, that comes in naturally, runs smoothly along, is not forced nor dragged in, that appears to be without design, to rise out of the conversation, and though particularly relative to one point, will appear to the company to suit all. Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver - - Is like the refreshing orange or beautiful citron, served up in open work or filigree baskets, made... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:11

One of the emblematical distiches in which this collection is rich. A word fitly spoken. עַל־אָפְנָיו may be translated "in due season," or "upon its wheels" (Venetian, ἐπὶ τῶν τροχῶν αὐτῆς ). In the latter case the phrase may mean a word quickly formed, or moving easily, spoken ore rotundo , or a speedy answer. But the metaphor is unusual and inappropriate; and it is best to understand a word spoken under due consideration of time and place. Vulgate, Qui loquitur verbum... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:11

Apples of gold in a framework of silver This is a picture of Oriental decoration. A gorgeous chamber is richly and elaborately ornamented with the precious metals, by fruit carved in gold being set in dainty work of silver—as brilliant a piece of decoration as can well be imagined. This finely turned metaphor is chosen by the writer in order to give the highest possible praise to "the word fitly spoken." I. THE NATURE AND CHARACTER OF THE WORD FITLY SPOKEN . 1 . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:11

Welcome words But what are— I. THE WORDS THAT ARE WELCOME . They are: 1 . Words that travel; "words upon wheels" (literally). They are words that do not "fall to the ground like water which cannot be gathered up again;" but words which are not allowed "to fall to the ground," which pass from lip to lip, from soul to soul, from land to land, from age to age. 2. Words that are level with our human understanding; which do not require special learning, or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:11-15

Similitudes of moral beauty and goodness I. THE APT WORD . Compared to "golden apples in silver frames." Carved work adorning the ceilings of rooms is perhaps alluded to. The beauty of the groined sets off the worth of the object. Just so the good word is set off by the seasonableness of the moment of its utterance ( 1 Peter 4:11 ). The apt word is "a word upon wheels, not lotted or dragged, but rolling smoothly along like chariot wheels." Our Lord's discourses ( e . g . on... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11. A word fitly spoken As to the matter, and season, and other circumstances of it; is like apples of gold in pictures of silver Which, it seems, were usual in those times, and were grateful to the eye for the beauty and variety both of the colours and figures, the golden apples appearing through the net-work of silver, or being engraven, or portrayed, upon tablets of silver. Some translate the clause, Golden apples in vessels of silver, and think that, by golden apples, ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:1-28

25:1-29:27 MORE PROVERBS OF SOLOMONRelations with others (25:1-28)God has no obligation to explain to anyone the reasons for his actions. A king, however, has a duty to his people to investigate the causes of events that affect them, though he need not reveal to them his deepest thoughts (25:1-3). Some advisers to the king may be ungodly or treacherous, and should be removed if the king is to rule righteously (4-5). It is better to wait to be invited to a higher rank than to be boastfully... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 25:11

fitly = timely. As we say "on the spur of the moment". apples of gold. The difficulty is not in this expression, for jewellery is evidently intended from the first clause of the next verse. pictures = carved or sculptured work, put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Effect), for imaginative work made from it: i.e. baskets, or dishes. Golden fruit (the Rev. James Niel suggests oranges) in silver salvers would be the height of rarity, which it is the intention of the words to convey. Hebrew. ... read more

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