Proverbs 25:12
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.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
In Context
11A word at the right time is like apples of gold in a network of silver.
Cross References
1 Samuel 25:31Then you will have no cause for grief, and my lord's heart will not be troubled because you have taken life without cause and have yourself given punishment for your wrongs: and when the Lord has been good to you, then give a thought to your servant.
Psalms 141:5Let the upright give me punishment; and let the god-fearing man put me in the right way; but I will not let the oil of sinners come on my head: when they do evil I will give myself to prayer.
Proverbs 9:8Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him.
Proverbs 15:31The man whose ear is open to the teaching of life will have his place among the wise.
Proverbs 27:5Better is open protest than love kept secret.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25:12-13
Instructive Similes. 11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. Solomon here shows how much it becomes a man, 1. To speak pertinently: A word upon the wheels, that runs well, is well-circumstanced, in proper time and place—instruction, advice, or comfort, given seasonably, and in apt expressions, adapted to the case of the person spoken to and agreeing with the character of the person… Read the whole commentary →