Proverbs 25:12
New International Version
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

New Living Translation
To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

English Standard Version
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Berean Standard Bible
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.

King James Bible
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

New King James Version
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

New American Standard Bible
Like an earring of gold and a jewelry piece of fine gold, Is a wise person who offers rebukes to a listening ear.

NASB 1995
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

NASB 1977
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Legacy Standard Bible
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Amplified Bible
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and learns.

Christian Standard Bible
A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.

American Standard Version
As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Contemporary English Version
Listening to good advice is worth much more than jewelry made of gold.

English Revised Version
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[Like] a gold ring and a fine gold ornament, [so] is constructive criticism to the ear of one who listens.

Good News Translation
A warning given by an experienced person to someone willing to listen is more valuable than gold rings or jewelry made of the finest gold.

International Standard Version
Like a gold earring and a necklace of pure gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Majority Standard Bible
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man?s rebuke to a listening ear.

NET Bible
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to the ear of the one who listens.

New Heart English Bible
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

Webster's Bible Translation
As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

World English Bible
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A ring of gold, and an ornament of pure gold, "" [Is] the wise reprover to an attentive ear.

Young's Literal Translation
A ring of gold, and an ornament of pure gold, Is the wise reprover to an attentive ear.

Smith's Literal Translation
An earring of gold and a necklace of gold, the wise one reproving upon the hearing ear.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Whoever reproves the wise and obedient ear is like an earring of gold with a shining pearl.

New American Bible
A golden earring or a necklace of fine gold— one who gives wise reproof to a listening ear.

New Revised Standard Version
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Like an earring of gold, and a precious sardius, so is the reproof of the wise men to a listening ear.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
An earring of gold and precious Sardius, so is the reproof of the wise to the ear of the hearer.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In an ear-ring of gold a precious sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
More Proverbs of Solomon
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. 12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. 13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.…

Cross References
Proverbs 15:31
He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

Proverbs 9:8-9
Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. / Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.

Proverbs 27:5-6
Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. / The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Ecclesiastes 7:5
It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.

Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

Proverbs 1:8-9
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. / For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.

Proverbs 13:18
Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Proverbs 19:20
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

Proverbs 28:23
He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.

Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

2 Timothy 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.

James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.


Treasury of Scripture

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover on an obedient ear.

an ear-ring

Job 42:11
Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.

a wise

Proverbs 1:8,9
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: …

Proverbs 9:8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

Proverbs 15:5,31,32
A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent…

Jump to Previous
Attention Attentive Best Ear Earring Ear-Ring Fine Gold Listening Nose-Ring Obedient Ornament Pure Ready Rebuke Reprover Ring Sharp Wise Words
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Attention Attentive Best Ear Earring Ear-Ring Fine Gold Listening Nose-Ring Obedient Ornament Pure Ready Rebuke Reprover Ring Sharp Wise Words
Proverbs 25
1. observations about kings
8. and about avoiding causes of quarrels














Like an earring of gold
The imagery of an "earring of gold" evokes a sense of beauty, value, and adornment. In ancient cultures, gold was a symbol of wealth and status, often used in jewelry to signify importance and honor. The Hebrew word for "earring" (נֶזֶם, nezem) can also refer to a nose ring, indicating a piece of jewelry that enhances one's appearance. This comparison suggests that a wise rebuke, when given and received properly, is as precious and enhancing to the soul as gold is to the body. It implies that correction, when delivered with wisdom, is not only valuable but also beautifies the character of the one who receives it.

or an ornament of fine gold
The phrase "an ornament of fine gold" further emphasizes the preciousness and desirability of wise counsel. The Hebrew word for "ornament" (חֲלִי, chali) refers to a decorative piece, often used to signify splendor and elegance. "Fine gold" (כֶּתֶם, kethem) denotes pure, refined gold, highlighting the purity and excellence of the rebuke. In a historical context, such ornaments were not only decorative but also signified the wearer's dignity and refinement. This comparison underscores the idea that a wise rebuke is not only valuable but also refines and dignifies the recipient, enhancing their moral and spiritual stature.

is a wise rebuke
The term "wise rebuke" (תּוֹכַחַת חָכָם, tokhahat chacham) combines the concept of correction with wisdom. A "rebuke" is a form of correction or reprimand, intended to guide someone back to the right path. The wisdom (חָכָם, chacham) associated with it implies that the correction is not harsh or punitive but is delivered with understanding, insight, and love. In the biblical context, wisdom is often associated with the fear of the Lord and the application of divine principles to life. Thus, a wise rebuke is one that aligns with God's truth and is aimed at the spiritual growth and betterment of the individual.

to a listening ear
The phrase "a listening ear" (אֹזֶן שֹׁמַעַת, ozen shomat) highlights the importance of receptivity and humility in receiving correction. The "ear" symbolizes the faculty of hearing, but in a deeper sense, it represents an openness to receive instruction and guidance. The Hebrew word for "listening" (שֹׁמַעַת, shomat) implies not just hearing but actively paying attention and being willing to learn. In the scriptural context, a listening ear is a mark of wisdom and humility, as it shows a readiness to accept correction and grow from it. This phrase underscores the reciprocal nature of wise rebuke: it is only as effective as the willingness of the recipient to hear and heed it.

Verse 12. - Another distich concerning the seasonable word, of the same character as the last. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold. In this, as in many of the proverbs, the comparison is not expressed, but is merely implied by juxtaposition. Nezem, in Proverbs 11:22, was a nose ring, here probably an earring is meant; chali, "ornament," is a trinket or jewel worn suspended on neck or breast. The two, whether worn by one person or more, form a lovely combination, and set off the wearer's grace and beauty. Vulgate, Inauris aurea et margaritum fulgens, "A golden earring and a brilliant pearl." Septuagint, "A golden earring a precious sardius also is set." So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. The obedient ear receives the precepts of the wise reprover, and wears them as a valued ornament. In Proverbs 1:9 the instruction of parents is compared to a chaplet on the head and a fair chain on the neck. Septuagint, "A wise word on an obedient ear."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Like] an earring
נֶ֣זֶם (ne·zem)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5141: A ring (worn as an ornament)

of gold
זָ֭הָב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

or an ornament
וַחֲלִי־ (wa·ḥă·lî-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2481: An ornament

of fine gold
כָ֑תֶם (ḵā·ṯem)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3800: Something carved out, ore, gold

is a wise man’s
חָ֝כָ֗ם (ḥā·ḵām)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2450: Wise

rebuke
מוֹכִ֥יחַ (mō·w·ḵî·aḥ)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3198: To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a listening
שֹׁמָֽעַת׃ (šō·mā·‘aṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

ear.
אֹ֥זֶן (’ō·zen)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:12 As an earring of gold (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 25:11
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