Proverbs 25:12
Proverbs 25:12 in Multiple Translations
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Like a nose-ring of gold and an ornament of the best gold, is a wise man who says sharp words to an ear ready to give attention.
Constructive criticism from the wise to someone who listens is like a gold ring and a necklace of fine gold.
He that reprooueth the wise, and the obedient eare, is as a golden earering and an ornament of fine golde.
A ring of gold, and an ornament of pure gold, [Is] the wise reprover to an attentive ear.
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
As an earring of gold and a bright pearl, so is he that reproveth the wise, and the obedient ear.
When a wise person rebukes/warns someone [SYN] who is willing to listen, that is as valuable as [SIM] a gold ring or a gold chain.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 25:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֶ֣זֶם
זָ֭הָב
וַ/חֲלִי
כָ֑תֶם
מוֹכִ֥יחַ
חָ֝כָ֗ם
עַל
אֹ֥זֶן
שֹׁמָֽעַת
נֶ֣זֶם
nezem
H5141
ring
N-ms
זָ֭הָב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
וַ/חֲלִי
chălîy
H2481
ornament
Conj | N-ms
כָ֑תֶם
kethem
H3800
gold
N-ms
מוֹכִ֥יחַ
yâkach
H3198
to rebuke
V-Hiphil
חָ֝כָ֗ם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֹ֥זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs
שֹׁמָֽעַת
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:12
נֶ֣זֶם
nezem
H5141
"ring"
N-ms
A nose-ring or earring, this word describes a piece of jewelry worn by both men and women in biblical times. In Isaiah 3:21, it is listed as one of the extravagant items that will be lost. The word is also used in Genesis 24:22 to describe a gift given to Rebekah.
Definition: 1) ring, nose ring, earring 1a) nose ring (woman's ornament) 1b) earring (ornament of men or women)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earring, jewel. See also: Genesis 24:22; Judges 8:25; Proverbs 11:22.
זָ֭הָב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וַ/חֲלִי
chălîy
H2481
"ornament"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a shiny ornament or trinket, often translated as jewel in the Bible. It is used to describe decorative items in Exodus and Ezekiel. The word is associated with polished items.
Definition: jewellery, ornament
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: jewel, ornament. See also: Proverbs 25:12; Song of Solomon 7:2.
כָ֑תֶם
kethem
H3800
"gold"
N-ms
This word refers to pure gold, often used to describe valuable items like the golden ornaments in the Temple.
Definition: gold, pure gold
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: ((most) fine, pure) gold(-en wedge). See also: Job 28:16; Proverbs 25:12; Psalms 45:10.
מוֹכִ֥יחַ
yâkach
H3198
"to rebuke"
V-Hiphil
This Hebrew word means to rebuke or correct, and is used in the Bible to describe arguing, judging, or convincing someone of their wrongdoings. It is seen in the KJV translation as rebuke or reprove. The word is used in various forms, including to describe God's correction of his people.
Definition: 1) to prove, decide, judge, rebuke, reprove, correct, be right 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to decide, judge 1a2) to adjudge, appoint 1a3) to show to be right, prove 1a4) to convince, convict 1a5) to reprove, chide 1a6) to correct, rebuke 1b) (Hophal) to be chastened 1c) (Niphal) to reason, reason together 1d) (Hithp) to argue
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: appoint, argue, chasten, convince, correct(-ion), daysman, dispute, judge, maintain, plead, reason (together), rebuke, reprove(-r), surely, in any wise. See also: Genesis 20:16; Psalms 38:2; Psalms 6:2.
חָ֝כָ֗ם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֹ֥זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
שֹׁמָֽעַת
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:12
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
10lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your infamy never go away.
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. 14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 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. |
| 2 | Proverbs 15:31–32 | He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. |
| 3 | Proverbs 15:5 | A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | Proverbs 9:8 | Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:12 | Ears that hear and eyes that see— the LORD has made them both. |
| 8 | Job 42:11 | All his brothers and sisters and prior acquaintances came and dined with him in his house. They consoled him and comforted him over all the adversity that the LORD had brought upon him. And each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 25:31–34 | then my lord will have no remorse or guilt of conscience over needless bloodshed and revenge. And when the LORD has dealt well with my lord, may you remember your maidservant.” Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. Otherwise, as surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, who has restrained me from harming you, if you had not come quickly to meet me, then surely no male belonging to Nabal would have been left alive by morning light.” |
Proverbs 25:12 Summary
This verse teaches us that a wise man's rebuke is a valuable and beautiful thing, like a precious piece of jewelry. When we receive a rebuke from someone who cares about us, it's like receiving a gift of gold. To truly benefit from this gift, we need to have a 'listening ear', being humble and receptive to correction, as seen in the Book of Proverbs 9:8-9. By being open to correction and discipline, we can learn and grow, and become wiser and more like God, as taught in the Book of James 1:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of comparing a wise man's rebuke to an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold?
This comparison highlights the value and beauty of a wise man's rebuke, emphasizing that it is a precious and desirable thing, much like the Proverbs 15:31-32 teaching that he who listens to a life-giving rebuke will dwell among the wise.
How does this verse relate to the concept of discipline and correction?
The verse suggests that a wise man's rebuke is a form of discipline that is beneficial for the one who receives it, much like the Book of Hebrews 12:11, which states that discipline yields a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
What does it mean to have a 'listening ear' in this context?
Having a listening ear means being receptive and humble, willing to receive and learn from a wise man's rebuke, as seen in the example of the Psalm 25:12, where the psalmist asks God to teach him and guide him.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by being open to receiving correction and discipline from others, and by being willing to give wise and loving rebukes to those around us, as taught in the Book of Ephesians 4:29, which encourages us to speak the truth in love.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to be more receptive to correction and discipline?
- How can I cultivate a 'listening ear' and become more humble and receptive to wise counsel?
- What are some ways that I can give wise and loving rebukes to those around me, and how can I do so in a way that is both truthful and loving?
- What are some examples of times when a wise man's rebuke has been beneficial in my life, and how can I learn from those experiences?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:12
[As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold,.... As a golden earring, when first put on, gives pain and uneasiness; but, being well hung and fixed, is very ornamental, being of fine gold,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. (As) an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, (so is) a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold; highly acceptable, and a great ornament, and not an offence and dishonour, as fools esteem it; so is a wise reprover, that reproves an offender faithfully; yet prudently, in the fittest manner and season. Upon an obedient ear; to a man that hearkens to it, and is instructed and reformed by it.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
Proverbs 25:12 [As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.Ver. 12. As an earring of gold, &c.] Ut in auris aurea, &c. A seasonable word falling upon a tractable ear hath a redoubled grace with it, as an earring of gold, and as an ornament of fine gold, or as a diamond in a diadem. It is a hard and happy thing to "suffer the words of exhortation," to digest a reproof; to say with David, "Let the righteous smite me," &c.; to be of Gerson’ s disposition, of whom it is recorded that he rejoiced in nothing more, quam si ab aliquo fraterne et charitative redargueretur, than if he were friendly and freely reproved by anyone. Every vice doth now go armed; touch it never so gently, yet like the nettle it will sting you. If you deal with it roughly and roundly it swaggereth, as the Hebrew did with Moses, "Who made thee a man of authority?" &c. Earrings and ornaments are ill bestowed upon such uncircumcised ears. In vita Jo. Gers.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
Verse 12. As an ear-ring of gold] I believe נזם nezem to mean the nose-ring with its pendants; the left nostril is pierced, and a ring put through it, as in the ear. This is very common in almost every part of the East, among women of condition. This is a farther illustration of the above metaphor.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:12
12. earring] Or, nose-ring, R.V. marg. See Proverbs 11:22, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:12
The theme of this proverb being the same as that of Pro 25:11, its occurrence suggests the thought that rings used as ornaments for ears, or nose, or forehead, and other trinkets formed part of the
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12
12. As an earring — The original means either an earring or a nose-ring. The Orientals are as fond of rings in their nostrils as our modern ladies of rings in their ears.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Zadok and Abaithar Priesthoods - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a Bible preacher and encourages others to do the same. He highlights the power of using both the eye and ear to conv |
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God Is a Good Father - 3. a Father Who Rebukes and Disciplines Us by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving God's discipline and rebuke as a means to partake in His holiness. It contrasts self-manufactured holiness, which can lead to pri |
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Uzziah's Pride - Famous King to Excluded Leper by James Jennings by James Malachi Jennings | This sermon delves into the life of King Uzziah from 2 Chronicles 26, highlighting his journey from seeking God and prospering to falling into pride and facing the consequences. It |
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An Helpmeet for Him by Stanley H. Frodsham | Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the life of Mr. Greatheart, a man with a great heart of love and loyalty to his Master, guiding and guarding fellow pilgrims on their journey. Th |
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The Final Warning by Asahel Nettleton | Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the |
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2 Peter 3:15 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the longsuffering of the Lord as a divine patience directed towards the elect, highlighting that God's delay in returning is not a sign of slackness but a mean |
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Administering and Receiving Reproof by John Hames | John Hames preaches on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and gratitude, highlighting how reproof is a valuable tool in the Christian's journey towards holiness. He |