Proverbs 25:12

Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, ¹  so is a wise reprover to the ear of the one who listens. ² 

1Sa 25:31-34; Job 42:11; Ps 141:5; Pr 1:8,9; Pr 9:8; Pr 15:5,31,32; Pr 27:5,6

¹ sn This saying is another example of emblematic parallelism; the first half is the simile, and the second half makes the point from it: A wise rebuke that is properly received is of lasting value. The rebuke in the ear of an obedient student is like ornaments of fine jewelry.

² tn The “ear of the listener” refers to the obedient disciple, the one who complies with the reproof he hears. Cf. KJV, ASV, NAB “an obedient ear.”