The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of
little value. ~Proverbs 10:20
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. ~Proverbs 25:11-12
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. ~Matthew 13:45-46
Would you recognize real gold if you saw it? How about pearls, do you know how to recognize the real thing? Both pearls and gold have their imitations. Many have been taken with the appearance of fool’s gold, fake pearls and counterfeit money. Sometimes we can put up with an imitation, like generic drugs or off brand or store brand Kleenexes. As long as the imitation serves our purpose and we can save some money, we’re okay with using it over the name brand product with the supposed reputation. Jewelry and valuables are a different matter altogether.
Our proverb and parable today both deal with discerning individuals who recognize the real thing when they discover it, appreciate its value, and cherish it above other things.
First of all, there is the “silver tongue” of the righteous. This is an interesting turn of phrase. We usually think of silver-tongued people as good orators, who are often known for flattery: a person who can give a good sales pitch. Solomon is pointing out, however that the righteous, with their true words of wisdom are the real silver tongues and can really be a blessing, if we recognize it. It’s the wicked, with their flattery that we need to ignore because, what they are saying is practically worthless.
Then, there is the wise man’s rebuke. Often, we don’t want to hear a rebuke. That can sting. We would rather turn more toward those who flatter and compliment, who say what we are doing right, not advising us on what we need to improve. Yet, if we respect the speaker offering a rebuke, and we know that he or she means it for our good, it is like gold in settings of silver because it has gone through the refining process that developed their wisdom in the first place. Their wisdom has been purified in their lives and they are now offering the gift of what they have learned to help you, or us, grow as well.
Wise people don’t pick on others or admonish and correct just because they know better than you. They don’t show off their knowledge. They are sincerely offering guidance, hoping to bless, not insult the listener. When we can receive what they have to say in the same way that we would receive a gift of gold, we would do well.
Similarly, the Kingdom of God being compared to a pearl, can be viewed in the same way. It is most precious, but not always valued. Just as there are fake pearls, there are tempting offers like those we’ve already mentioned, like the ladder on the wrong wall, or the wrong road to travel down. They offer false doors to a paradise created by our sinful desires: the easy kingdom that we wish we could obtain easily. Why does the Kingdom of God have to be so hard? Why does it have to demand so much of us? Because it is the real thing. It is where Jesus reigns. It is where holiness is a refined way of life, it is costly, and it is worth it.
Prayer: Thank You Lord! I know what a treasure, what a wonder You are! Thank You too for sanctification that brings wisdom to share with the next generation, or even with new believers who begin seeking Your way of Life. May I receive instruction and correction with grace and humility. I acknowledge my privileged responsibility to use my gifts wisely for the sake of others after me. Help me to offer instruction and correction with loving patience, grace and a humble heart. In Jesus' name amen.
Song: It Will Be Worth It All When We See Jesus
A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. ~Proverbs 25:11-12
The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. ~Matthew 13:45-46
Would you recognize real gold if you saw it? How about pearls, do you know how to recognize the real thing? Both pearls and gold have their imitations. Many have been taken with the appearance of fool’s gold, fake pearls and counterfeit money. Sometimes we can put up with an imitation, like generic drugs or off brand or store brand Kleenexes. As long as the imitation serves our purpose and we can save some money, we’re okay with using it over the name brand product with the supposed reputation. Jewelry and valuables are a different matter altogether.
Our proverb and parable today both deal with discerning individuals who recognize the real thing when they discover it, appreciate its value, and cherish it above other things.
First of all, there is the “silver tongue” of the righteous. This is an interesting turn of phrase. We usually think of silver-tongued people as good orators, who are often known for flattery: a person who can give a good sales pitch. Solomon is pointing out, however that the righteous, with their true words of wisdom are the real silver tongues and can really be a blessing, if we recognize it. It’s the wicked, with their flattery that we need to ignore because, what they are saying is practically worthless.
Then, there is the wise man’s rebuke. Often, we don’t want to hear a rebuke. That can sting. We would rather turn more toward those who flatter and compliment, who say what we are doing right, not advising us on what we need to improve. Yet, if we respect the speaker offering a rebuke, and we know that he or she means it for our good, it is like gold in settings of silver because it has gone through the refining process that developed their wisdom in the first place. Their wisdom has been purified in their lives and they are now offering the gift of what they have learned to help you, or us, grow as well.
Wise people don’t pick on others or admonish and correct just because they know better than you. They don’t show off their knowledge. They are sincerely offering guidance, hoping to bless, not insult the listener. When we can receive what they have to say in the same way that we would receive a gift of gold, we would do well.
Similarly, the Kingdom of God being compared to a pearl, can be viewed in the same way. It is most precious, but not always valued. Just as there are fake pearls, there are tempting offers like those we’ve already mentioned, like the ladder on the wrong wall, or the wrong road to travel down. They offer false doors to a paradise created by our sinful desires: the easy kingdom that we wish we could obtain easily. Why does the Kingdom of God have to be so hard? Why does it have to demand so much of us? Because it is the real thing. It is where Jesus reigns. It is where holiness is a refined way of life, it is costly, and it is worth it.
Prayer: Thank You Lord! I know what a treasure, what a wonder You are! Thank You too for sanctification that brings wisdom to share with the next generation, or even with new believers who begin seeking Your way of Life. May I receive instruction and correction with grace and humility. I acknowledge my privileged responsibility to use my gifts wisely for the sake of others after me. Help me to offer instruction and correction with loving patience, grace and a humble heart. In Jesus' name amen.
Song: It Will Be Worth It All When We See Jesus
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