Proverbs 25:12

“[As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, etc.] 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, and especially when any jewels are upon it; which may be meant by the ornament, as the word is rendered, (<220701>Song of Solomon 7:1); [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear; such is the reproof of a wise man, which is seasonably given, in a fit and proper manner; and which appears to proceed from love, and is designed for good, and done in great affection and faithfulness: this, though it may be a little grating to the ear at first, yet, when well considered and received, instead of…”

“Those who desire to know and do rightly, most highly esteem good counsel (Pro 9:9; Pro 15:31). The listening ear is better than one hung with gold.”

“The theme of this proverb being the same as that of Proverbs 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 works of art spoken of in the foregoing note, and that the king had something at once pointed and wise to say of each of them. return to 'Top of Page'”

“an earring: Job 42:11 a wise: Pro 1:8, Pro 1:9, Pro 9:8, Pro 15:5, Pro 15:31, Pro 15:32, Pro 27:5, Pro 27:6; Sa1 25:31-34; Psa 141:5 Proverbs 25:13”

“Another proverb continues the commendation of the effective word; for it represents, in emblem, the interchangeable relation of speaker and hearer: A golden earring and an ornament of fine gold - A wise preacher to an ear that heareth; i.e., as the former two ornaments form a beautiful ensemble, so the latter two, the wise preacher of morality and an attentive ear, form a harmonious whole: על, down upon, is explained by Deu 32:2. נזם, at Pro 11:12, standing along with באף, meant a ring for the nose; but here, as elsewhere, it means an earring (lxx, Jerome, Venet.), translated by the Syr. and Targ. by קדשׁא, because it serves as a talisman. A ring for the nose (Note: Vid., Gieger's…”