Anchor Devotional

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Apples of Gold

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

After I gave a speech decades ago at my high school graduation, I received a note of commendation and appreciation from a local judge who was in attendance. Years later I realized that his note, along with so many other “apples of gold” I received as a youth, prepared me to answer God’s call to ministry. There were encouraging words from Sunday School teachers, pastors, youth leaders, schoolteachers, parents, and family members, each one a blessing to me.

You and I can establish a pattern of “apple offering” to people we know and meet. Numerous verses in Proverbs speak to this: “The tongue of the wise brings healing” (12:18); “The soothing tongue is a tree of life” (15:4); there is “joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word” (15:23). Paul instructs us: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Ephesians 4:29).

Recall some of the “apples of gold” you’ve been given. To whom can you give a “thank you” or word of encouragement today?

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
James 3:1-12

INSIGHT
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 49-50
Psalm 95
Acts 18

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