A godly and learned exposition vppon the Prouerbes of Solomon: written in French by Maister Michael Cope, minister of the woorde of God, at Geneua: and translated into English, by M.O.

11 A worde spoken in his due place, is like apples of gold, with pictures of siluer.

If any man seeke to garnishe his speeche, to please and bring profite and delight to an other man, he for whō, and at whose plea∣sure this man speaketh, wil say, that his neighbour hath a golden tongue, and that his speech pleaseth him as wel as a iewel of golde, bedecked with white siluer. If amongst worldlings, words be of such price, by farre more reason we ought greatly to esteeme of the word of God, which is purely and faithfully administred to vs, and should take great delight therin. Solomon sheweth vs it, when he saieth, A word spoken in his due place, or order, or vpon his wheeles (as So∣lomons language is) is like apples of gold, &c. I knowe that one might applye this sentence to al purposes which are spoken of, as it appertaineth of what matter soeuer they be. But when hee saieth, Blessed is hee that hath his affection set on the lawe of the Lord, and meditateth it day and night. Wee shoulde not fynde a worde so well spoken in his due place, or vpon his wheeles, as the woorde of the Lorde. And therefore with Solomon wee will compare it to Apples of Golde, with pictures of siluer:

not that the woorde diuine exceedeth not farre al the fayrest, and most precious thinges of the worlde: but the scripture applyeth it selfe to our rudenesse, to leade vs as it were by the hande, to take a taste and delight in the worde of God: the which in other thinges is compared to golde, siluer, and precious stones. If one wil take here the worde, for that which is proper to pacifie quarels betweene one neighbour and an other, without publishing them, the sense shalbe verie conuenient, and not contrarie to that which hath bene saide. For there is no worde more fit to pacifie strifes, then the worde of the Lorde, or that which is conformable thereto.