“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

This verse gives a beautiful picture telling us how important words are when spoken in love, compassion or in hate, anger or because of unhappiness.

 

A minister’s wife will be called upon to express herself or give an opinion about many things. Many will be trivial; others on serious matters. How she responds, her tone of voice, and the actual words she uses can be just right or harmful to the situation. “A word fitly spoken.”

 

A minister’s wife should be careful about she says to others about her husband! A number of years ago I was asked to lead some conferences at an annual pastors’ wives retreat. In one of the general meetings, the wives shared their problems. One young woman said, “What can I do? My husband squeezes the toothpaste from the bottom and I squeeze it from the top.” For her, this was a serious problem. I was amused at the time because I had had the same problem. My solution? Buy two tubes of toothpaste! Amusing as this seems, it was told all over the state by the wives who heard it. Not really serious it didn’t matter. Unfortunately many of the other situations were very serious and they, too, were shared with others outside the retreat. Be careful what you say about your husband in your church, to your best friend, even perhaps another family member. “A word fitly spoken.”

 

There are problems and difficult situations among church members. Things told in confidence to your husband and perhaps shared with you must be kept confidential. Even your very best friend might accidentally let something slip in talking to others. Your children don’t need to know everything that is told to you. Many ministers’ children have been turned away from the church because of the things they have heard at home. Everyone needs to be careful of their tone of voice, body language so that we don’t imply something we aren’t saying. Again, “a word fitly spoken.”

 

Sometimes a minister’s wife leads a lonely life. Choose a best friend outside your church or even in another town. Choose someone you can talk to in confidence. Often your best friend will be your husband and you can be his best friend. Don’t be guilty of being the one to spread unpleasant things about your husband, your family, or church members.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”

 

Your words can bring comfort and peach to someone who is suffering. Your words can sooth and calm a troubled heart. Your words can help turn unhappiness into a solution that will result in happiness. Your words can be silence because you are listening to a hurting person. Your words can be like apples of gold in pictures of silver!