Apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in right circumstances.
An earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Prov 25:11-12
Many times in proverbs we are told to be quiet, and not to speak many words. However, it is important to speak under right circumstances, and sometimes even to correct those who need it. By learning the season to speak, we can be an ornament of gold!
Nice post. This dovetails nicely with our discussion about vows from Deuteronomy 23:21-23. In both situations (vowing or speaking) there is tremendous risk involved, as a misstep (unfulfilled vow or speaking wrongly) can have serious negative consequences. However, as you correctly point out here, there is also tremendous upside to a fulfilled vow and to a word given in season. Thus, a determination on the part of an individual to “never make promises” or “never speak” (thereby eliminating the associated risks) is somewhat cowardly and will rob the person of great potential rewards.