This verse is part of an alphabetic acrostic poem about “a wife of noble character” (:10-31). Each verse starts with the succeeding letter of the 22-letter Hebrew alphabet — our verse with the Hebrew letter mem (“M”).

In verse 20, this “wife of noble character” helped the poor and needy. In verse 21, she made sure her own household was well-cared for, especially in inclement weather.

After taking care of others, our verse notes “she makes coverings for her bed.” This godly woman takes care of her own things, too, but the order of priority’s clear — others first, then herself!

We also read “she makes” these things herself. She’s smart, capable and hardworking — consequently, she does have some nice things.

“She is clothed in fine linen” — it’s the term for the imported fine white linen of Egypt. She’s also, “clothed in…purple.”

The ancient’s basically wore wool or linen (from flax), so most clothing was some variation of off-white. It was expensive to dye clothing any color — so note her household was clothed in “scarlet” colored-clothes (:21).

But “purple” was the most expensive of all and is mentioned only here in Proverbs. Famously known as “Tyrian purple” it was a major industry of the coastal Phoenician city of Tyre.

Because of the effort and expense it took to dye anything with this animal-based color (from the murex sea snail), purple came to be considered the color of wealth and royalty. This smart, capable, industrious and spiritual “wife of noble character” (:10) does okay.

She makes caring for others a priority and she has some nice things, too. That’s not surprising.

When God identifies people like her, He continues providing them with good stuff — because He knows they’ll pass it along to bless others, also!

The father-son relationship is important throughout Proverbs. Over 25 times, a message is specifically directed from dad to one or more of his boys.

This wise saying discussed that relationship and, as usual it’s the son’s thinking and behaviors that’s in focus.

The first line discussed “a discerning son” or a “son with understanding.” It’s reasonable that such a contemplative guy “heeds instruction” — he’s apparently learned much from others and will continue to do so.

The second son is also connected — “a companion of gluttons!” While we always think of food with “gluttons,” the term actually relates to the lack of appreciation for and abuse of anything.

Consequently, this son “disgraces his father.” He neither appreciates the things he has (“glutton”) nor the people in his life (“his father”).

This wise saying offers a couple of insights for me.

The first has to do with the company we keep. Both sons operated in the context of others and, in each case, those folks had a significant impact in both boy’s lives.

Secondly, I am not — as English poet, clergyman and politician John Donne once wrote — “an island entire unto itself.” My choices affect others…generally those who know me best and love me most!

Again “words” take center stage in a proverb. And this is one of those wise sayings that’s stated twice in the book — 26:22 is identical to 18:8 in English and Hebrew.

The verses are in different sections of Proverbs — each attributed to Solomon (11:1-24:34 and 25:1-29:27) — this one in the section collected during the reign of King Hezekiah (25:1).

We don’t know if Hezekiah’s boys knew about the first collection — but I know God did! So, if a verse is repeated — He meant it…and we need it!

“The words” in this wise saying are specifically “words of a gossip.” The Hebrew term means what we’d assume — whispering or murmuring or secretly criticizing, slandering, complaining or grumbling…or any combination, thereof!

And what this proverb says about such words is they “are like choice morsels” and “go down to the innermost parts.” The imagery of eating food — “gossip” can be a delicious delicacy that we just gobble down!

This wise saying just states the facts — this is how we tend to think and act. What it doesn’t say is what’s wrong with such choices.

But the second line does offer some insights — “they go down to the inmost parts.” Once we hear this stuff, it can go deep in our souls…stay there…and really affect our thoughts and feelings.

Like that large piece of a three-layer chocolate cake with lots of chocolate icing and a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. I love that stuff!

But afterwards I don’t feel so good physically and I don’t feel good about myself emotionally — because I know better.

So I suppose the message of this verse is pretty simple: be careful about what I eat…and what I listen to!

As the modern proverbs says…”beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” Yet any of us can appreciate artistry.

A masterpiece crafted made from expensive materials (“silver” and “gold” in this proverb) was obviously of great value in the ancient world. Just having access to these valuable raw materials was beyond the average person’s experience.

Then, having a skilled craftsman turn it into a beautiful work of art gave it even greater value. While I’m not certain what “apples of gold in settings of silver” really looked like, this wise saying suggests something special.

Such a creation is compared to the spoken word. Because of the royal focus of chapter I understand how “a ruling rightly given” is an appropriate translation.

But I’ll suggest “a word aptly spoken” is better. A good word at the right time is as beautiful as an artistic masterpiece!

We can all remember how pleasant words — or, sometimes, just a smile — from someone else made a difference in our day. Many of us have even had life-changing moments because of some appropriate words at a critical time in our lives. 

Since this verse is true – let’s consider making the effort to regularly offer a good word to others, possibly creating something special for them. No telling how just far-reaching such “a word aptly spoken” might go!

These two verses are often listed together as “Saying 22” in a special section called “the sayings of the wise” (22:17-24:34). While their messages can be appreciated separately, I do see an appropriate connection between them.

Guys who’ve spent a lot of time on the streets understand the concept “might makes right.” But the two lines of verse 5 offer a slightly different perspective.

A real mighty man – a man of “great power” and “strength” – is actually not what we might think. Here it’s the guy who’s “wise” and has “knowledge.”

Real power and strength is on the inside, not the outside. It’s generated from the ability to understand things and make good choices. After all, most strong women usually don’t have big muscles!

So, it’s no surprise that real verse-5 mighty men would appreciate verse-6 insights — “For waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers.”

If we’re ever going to “war” we really need good “guidance.” And, to secure “victory,” it’s really important to have “many advisers.”

Recognizing the importance of “guidance” and “advisers” (:6) is always a good idea to enhance one’s own “power” and “strength” (:5). That would be particularly important when it comes to conflict – for “victory” — and when “waging war.”

Most of us guys think victory in life’s battles comes from our ability to out-muscle the other guy. But these verses offer another way – by out-thinking them!