For Ladies: A Word Fitly Spoken


Karen Tucker


Throughout God’s Word, older women are instructed to teach younger women such as is stated in Titus 2:4-5. Although the context is specific in this passage, other scriptures, such as Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 1:8, Ruth 1:15-16, 2 Timothy 1:5, etc., emphasize the importance of teaching children. By implication this would include mothers to daughters, mothers to daughters-in-law, grandmothers to daughters and granddaughters, aunts to nieces, and sisters in Christ to all younger women. Such is an enormous task and must be handled as quoted in Proverbs 15:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.”


Certainly, this is a beautiful analogy with a very important lesson for women obeying God’s command to teach the younger women. To thoroughly understand this passage, one needs to address specific words in the verse. First, a word suggests a statement, an expression, a remark, a proclamation, a report, or an assertion. Words are important and demand considerable thought prior to being spoken or exhibited. Words are conveyed not only in speaking but also in ways such as attitude, disposition, conduct, and one’s character. 


In addition, words expressed in all aspects must be fitly spoken, which means: the appropriate word (suitable to the occasion, proper, and fitting the situation), in the appropriate place (preferably privately and not in front of peers), at the appropriate time (at the proper time, when fitting and needed), with the appropriate manner (love and propriety), and most importantly, grounded in the Word of God. Another way of expressing the importance of a word fitly spoken is to season our words with salt (Colossians 4:6). At first one might trivialize the importance of this analogy; however, salt is not only used as a preservative, but also to draw out the various flavors in foods. Therefore, a word fitly spoken will preserve the soul of a young woman and enhance her spiritual beauty.


Considering and heeding all of these requirements demands considerable thought, Bible study, and prayer before any words proceed out of one’s mouth when teaching younger women. As words are fitly spoken as directed above, younger women will be more receptive to instruction, guidance, positive criticism, righteous correction, molding, and encouragement. As a result, young ladies will shine like apples of gold in frames of silver. A more perfect picture could not be portrayed regarding the influence older women can have on younger women. Younger women should be valued as precious, delicate, and beautiful individuals created by God for godly living. There is no better blessing than to see the results of one’s fitly spoken words when it is exhibited in the life of a young lady who is valuable and radiant like pure gold (from words fitly spoken) surrounded by a frame of silver (molded by God’s Word through the teaching of older women), that will protect, guide, encourage, and mold her into a godly woman filled with inward beauty, love, knowledge, wisdom, and confidence in herself as a child of God. Choose your words carefully! -RR 7 Box 207A, Fairmont WV 26554. ktucker720@comcast.net


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