Proverbs 25:11-14

Proverbs 25:11-14
English Standard Version
​11 A word fitly spoken
    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
13 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.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain
    is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

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Solomon encourages us to use words that are soft and sweet if we want people to listen to us.  He compares well-spoken words to a gold ring or gold ornament, like pure snow that is refreshing and brings a lasting source of water and life (the snowpack is extremely important to agricultural areas to feed the rivers that flood and make fertile soil in the Spring).

He says that a boastful man in comparison is like clouds and wind without rain.  When you have a storm, you at least hope you get some rain out of it, but a boastful man is a destructive force that brings no refreshment, nor does he bring anything life-giving along with him.  Watch out for such men and don't be one of them!