“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” (Proverbs 25:11)

The above verse of scripture paints a beautiful picture, doesn’t it? Picture a golden apple. Perhaps it is setting on a silver tray. The light shines upon it and it sparkles. When I picture this in my mind I see these precious metals that anyone would love to have in their possession.

And then Solomon tells us a word spoken in the right circumstance is like this precious picture and metals we see. But when is a word spoken in the right circumstances? First, we must agree, that there are some words that are spoken when the circumstances are not right.

Have you ever been to the hospital awaiting surgery? A friend comes to visit you the night before you will have the serious procedure performed. He then begins to tell you about someone who had the same surgery and they were left scarred for life instead of cured? I would say that those were words that would have been better off never being spoken. Now you lie awake wondering if the same thing will happen to you. And your friend never even thought about what he was saying or that it would cause you some unrest.

To a child that is having problems they need a word that will encourage them to do better. To a young mother who is having problems, with her child, she needs someone to say something positive to her. To the person who is contemplating what to do with their future, they need an encouraging word. To a husband or wife that are having problems in a marriage, they need wise counsel. To someone who has experienced a death in the family, they need to know that God is still in control. As a person ages, they need to know that they are still important and something better awaits.

These are just a few of the times we need to have words that encourage. When was the last time you spoke words that helped someone at just the right time? Look around. Someone needs those words today.