What is the meaning of apples of gold in settings of silver in Proverbs 25:11?

Answer

Proverbs 25:11 is part of a group of four similes:

“A ruling rightly given is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

The rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear is like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold.

A trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him is like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time; he refreshes the spirit of his master.

One who boasts of gifts never given is like clouds and wind without rain” (verses 11–14).

To provide context for Proverbs 25:11, let’s rearrange the verses and rephrase them in a less poetic manner:

“Someone who promises gifts but never delivers is like clouds and wind without rain.

A cold drink at harvest time is as refreshing as a trustworthy messenger; both bring refreshment.

The rebuke of a wise person should be as welcomed to the listener as gold earrings are to the ear.

Well-chosen words are as precious as apples of gold in settings of silver.”

These similes draw parallels between natural or physical phenomena and human behavior, offering spiritual insights based on wisdom:

Verse 14: In the arid climate of Israel, rain is a valuable gift. Clouds and wind raise hopes of rain, and their absence brings disappointment. The lesson is not to make promises of gifts that will not be fulfilled.

Verse 13: A cold drink is a welcome relief for someone working hard. The faithful messenger provides similar refreshment to those relying on them to complete a task.

Verse 12: Rebuke is often unwelcome, yet it should be seen as beneficial. Just as gold earrings adorn the ear, a genuine rebuke should benefit the listener.

Verse 11: A wise word, spoken at the right time, is valuable like apples of gold.At a proper time, is a thing of beauty. The NIV translates the verse this way: “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.” A “ruling” is something we normally associate with some kind of official judgment, perhaps in a court of law. When a person goes to court, he expects that the rulings will be correct. When a judge or a court gives a faulty ruling or, worse, a corrupt ruling, it is an ugly thing. Flawed rulings are inappropriate and do not belong in a court of justice. On the other hand, when the judge delivers a correct ruling and justice is served, it is a beautiful, attractive thing. A correct ruling in a court means that the ruling is attractive and the court is attractive as well. It is like apples of gold in settings of silver—both are valuable and beautiful.

Other translations, including the ESV, use the phrase a word fitly spoken. In this translation, there is no indication of an official ruling but simply a word that is appropriate for the setting. Regardless of the context, an improper word or an incorrect judgment can be a terrible thing. Scripture warns of the terrible destruction that the tongue can cause see James 3:6: A proper word at the proper time is a wonderful thing.

The meaning of the term translated “apples of gold” is uncertain. It could refer to a number of other fruits including citrons, quinces, oranges, or apricots. All of these have a yellow-to-orange color, which could be thought of, in a poetic sense, as “golden.” So the verse might be talking about golden-colored fruit served in a silver bowl. This would certainly be quite appetizing and pleasant to the eye.

More likely, apples of gold in settings of silver refer to some type of artistic carving. A column of silver adorned by carved fruit of gold would be an opulent and beautiful piece of art. Each element would enhance the other. You would not expect to find a solid golden fruit hung on a piece of old wood, nor would you expect a silver setting to be adorned by fruit carved.

From some inexpensive material. A silver setting with golden fruit is about as luxurious as you could envision in ancient times. A precise word, spoken in the appropriate context, is just as exquisite, lavish, and precious.

Only some parents can provide their children trust funds, estates, and vast fortunes as an inheritance. But every parent can offer their children fitting words—encouraging words, truth at the right time, and good advice. This will be just as valuable as “apples of gold in settings of silver” at today’s precious metal prices.