Proverbs 25:12
ESV
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
NIV
Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.
NASB
Like an earring of gold and a jewelry piece of fine gold, Is a wise person who offers rebukes to a listening ear.
CSB
A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.
NLT
To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
KJV
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
NKJV
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
What does Proverbs 25:12 mean?
"Reproof" is a form of correction (Proverbs 5:12; 12:1; 15:31). When someone tells another person, "you are wrong and need to change," the speaker is "reproving" the other person. When that correction comes from a caring, well-timed, loving intervention, it is immensely valuable (Proverbs 25:11). Here, the point is made that the value of correction is very much tied to a willing listener (Proverbs 1:23; 3:11; 10:17). When someone is open to advice, wise words from a trusted counselor are precious (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22). Believers should seek to provide loving guidance to others (Ephesians 4:15, 29; Galatians 6:1) rather than harsh, loveless criticism (Proverbs 15:1).In this comparison, Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) relates loving correction to jewelry made of precious metals. Gold rings, in the biblical eras, were signs of wealth. James alluded to a gold ring as a sign of wealth when a person was given special treatment (James 2:1–4).
