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 or an ornament of fine gold
This phrase uses imagery of precious metals, which in biblical times were symbols of wealth, beauty, and value. Gold was highly prized in ancient Israel and throughout the ancient Near East, often used in jewelry and temple artifacts. The comparison to gold suggests that the rebuke being described is not only valuable but also beautiful and desirable. In the cultural context, wearing gold signified honor and status, indicating that a wise rebuke is something to be cherished and esteemed. This imagery is consistent with other biblical references to gold, such as in the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25) and Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6), where gold signifies divine presence and glory.

is a wise man’s rebuke
A "wise man's rebuke" implies correction or admonition given by someone with understanding and discernment. Wisdom in the biblical sense is often associated with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10) and the application of knowledge in a godly manner. The rebuke from a wise person is not meant to harm but to guide and improve the recipient. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently emphasizes the importance of accepting correction (Proverbs 12:1, 15:31-32), suggesting that such rebukes are integral to spiritual growth and maturity.

to a listening ear
The "listening ear" signifies a person who is receptive and open to instruction. In the biblical context, listening is more than just hearing; it involves understanding and acting upon what is heard. This concept is echoed in James 1:22, which encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers. The ability to listen and accept correction is portrayed as a virtue throughout Proverbs (Proverbs 1:5, 19:20). It reflects a humble and teachable spirit, which is essential for gaining wisdom. The phrase underscores the reciprocal nature of communication in wisdom: the value of the rebuke is realized only when it is received by someone willing to listen and learn.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.

2. Israel
The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally given, serving as a guide for living a life pleasing to God.

3. The Wise Rebuker
Represents those who offer correction with wisdom and discernment.

4. The Listening Ear
Symbolizes the person who is open and receptive to correction and guidance.

5. Gold Jewelry
Used as a metaphor for something valuable and beautiful, illustrating the worth of wise counsel.
Teaching Points
The Value of Correction
Just as gold is precious, so is the wisdom that comes from a well-timed and well-delivered rebuke. We should seek and cherish wise counsel.

The Art of Listening
A listening ear is crucial for growth. Being open to correction is a sign of maturity and humility.

The Role of the Wise Rebuker
Those who offer correction should do so with love, wisdom, and discernment, aiming to build up rather than tear down.

The Beauty of Humility
Humility allows us to accept correction gracefully, leading to personal and spiritual growth.

The Impact of Godly Relationships
Surrounding ourselves with wise and godly individuals can lead to valuable insights and guidance, much like the adornment of fine gold.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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