Proverbs 25:11
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.”
Explanation and Commentary of Proverbs 25:11
There are many scholarly opinions on what the first part of this verse means. Is it a literal gold apple set in silver framing, and ornament, or is it the golden variety of apple on a silver plate? While there is no way to know for sure, it is meant to be seen as something exceedingly good as an analogy for “a ruling rightly given.” God loves justice. He is perfect in his own justice, which is why for him to forgive sinners required the blood of his perfect Son to pay for the imputed righteousness of those who would repent and believe. Being justice personified, God hates injustice, and he loves justice, especially in a ruler, who of all people, has the power to be unjust, and the position to be seen as representing the Creator.
A “ruling rightly given” is a right ruling where what is right prevails, given in the right way. Too often the powerless are at a great disadvantage in the courts because they have not the influence or the advocacy to receive justice. God hates it when the powerful treat the powerless unjustly, and he will not let them get away with it for eternity. God does not approve of favor to the poor simply because they are poor, any more than favor to the rich for being rich (Lev 19:15). He simply loves what is right.
For the human, it is important to be just, as our Heavenly Father is just. It is “like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 25:11
#1 “Like apples of gold in settings of silver…”
This may refer to delicious apples of the golden variety on a beautiful piece of silver flatware, or a beautiful gold ornamental apple set in silver. Either way, it is meant to be seen as a good thing.
#2 “…is a ruling rightly given.”
In our fallen state, the temptation to withhold justice for our own personal gain is always present. Whether applied to an individual in daily matters, or a ruling authority in official matters, the principle of justice is as unyielding as the perfection of God. Therefore, God loves a righteous ruling.
Expert Overview of Proverbs
Biblical Translations of Proverbs 25:11
NIV
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.
NLT
Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.
ESV
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
KJV
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
NKJV
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.