Proverbs 25:11-15
Proverbs 25:11-15 The Message (MSG)
The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger. Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing! Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces. Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.
Proverbs 25:11-15 King James Version (KJV)
A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to them that send him: For he refresheth the soul of his masters. Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift Is like clouds and wind without rain. By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Proverbs 25:11-15 New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995 (NASB1995)
Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts of his gifts falsely. By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone.
Proverbs 25:11-15 New Century Version (NCV)
The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl. A wise warning to someone who will listen is as valuable as gold earrings or fine gold jewelry. Trustworthy messengers refresh those who send them, like the coolness of snow in the summertime. People who brag about gifts they never give are like clouds and wind that give no rain. With patience you can convince a ruler, and a gentle word can get through to the hard-headed.
Proverbs 25:11-15 American Standard Version (ASV)
A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver. As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to them that send him; For he refresheth the soul of his masters. As clouds and wind without rain, So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely. By long forbearing is a ruler persuaded, And a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
Proverbs 25:11-15 New International Version (NIV)
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear. Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master. Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given. Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
Proverbs 25:11-15 New King James Version (NKJV)
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain. By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
Proverbs 25:11-15 Amplified Bible (AMP)
¶Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken at the right time. [Prov 15:23; Is 50:4] Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and learns. Like the cold of snow [brought from the mountains] in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to those who send him; For he refreshes the life of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain Is a man who boasts falsely of gifts [he does not give]. [Jude 12] By patience and a calm spirit a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft and gentle tongue breaks the bone [of resistance]. [Gen 32:4; 1 Sam 25:24; Prov 15:1; 16:14]
Proverbs 25:11-15 New Living Translation (NLT)
Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer. A person who promises a gift but doesn’t give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain. Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.
Proverbs 25:11-15 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Winsome words spoken at just the right time are as appealing as apples gilded in gold surrounded with silver. When you humbly receive wise correction, it adorns your life with beauty and makes you a better person. A reliable, trustworthy messenger refreshes the heart of his master, like a gentle snowfall at harvest time. Clouds that carry no water and a wind that brings no refreshing rain — that’s what you’re like when you boast of a gift that you don’t have. Use patience and kindness when you want to persuade leaders and watch them change their minds right in front of you. For your gentle wisdom will quell the strongest resistance.
Proverbs 25:11-15 English Standard Version 2016 (ESV)
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear. Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters. Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.