One of my favorite Proverbs is Proverbs 25:11, “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” There is nothing more valuable than words of encouragement, affirmation, kind words, polite words, hope-filled words, words of appreciation, and words of love. Words like, ‘I’m sorry, I was wrong, please forgive me,” are like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Those are words that people treasure in their lives. Those are words that bring life to another. There was an old Peanuts cartoon and Charlie Brown receives a surprise phone call from a secret admirer. She says, “Charlie, this is your secret admirer. I want you to know that I think you are charming, dashing, and wonderful. I am leaving for camp this afternoon, and while I am there I will think of you every day. I’ll miss you, Charlie Brown, and will look forward to seeing you and your handsome face when I return. I love you.” Charlie Brown, the perennial loser, always down on himself, stands there absolutely stunned with this incredible grin on his face. “Who was that?” asked Linus. Still grinning from ear to ear, Charlie Brown said, “I don’t know, but I think they had the right number.” It is always the right number to speak a word of encouragement and affirmation. Those words are like a treasure. They are apples of gold in a setting of silver. Today God is going to put a number of people in your path. Make sure that you share the treasure of a kind and good word.
– Dr. Tim Thompson