Proverbs 25:12 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 25:11-12

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 speaking?is like golden balls resembling apples, or like true apples of a golden colour (golden rennets), or perhaps gilded, as sometimes we have gilded laurels, and those... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 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, and especially when any jewels are upon it; which may be meant by the ornament, as the word is rendered, 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... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 25:12

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. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:11-15

Similitudes of moral beauty and goodness I. THE APT WORD . Compared to "golden apples in silver frames." Carved work adorning the ceilings of rooms is perhaps alluded to. The beauty of the groined sets off the worth of the object. Just so the good word is set off by the seasonableness of the moment of its utterance ( 1 Peter 4:11 ). The apt word is "a word upon wheels, not lotted or dragged, but rolling smoothly along like chariot wheels." Our Lord's discourses ( e . g . on... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:12

Another distich concerning the seasonable word, of the same character as the last. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold. In this, as in many of the proverbs, the comparison is not expressed, but is merely implied by juxtaposition. Nezem , in Proverbs 11:22 , was a nose ring, here probably an earring is meant; chali , "ornament," is a trinket or jewel worn suspended on neck or breast. The two, whether worn by one person or more, form a lovely combination, and set off... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 25:12

Proverbs 25:12. As an ear-ring of gold, &c. That is, highly acceptable, and a great ornament, and not an offence and dishonour, as fools think it; is a wise reprover One who reproves an offender faithfully, and yet prudently, in the fittest manner and season; upon an obedient ear To the man that hearkens to the reproof, and is instructed and reformed by it. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:1-28

25:1-29:27 MORE PROVERBS OF SOLOMONRelations with others (25:1-28)God has no obligation to explain to anyone the reasons for his actions. A king, however, has a duty to his people to investigate the causes of events that affect them, though he need not reveal to them his deepest thoughts (25:1-3). Some advisers to the king may be ungodly or treacherous, and should be removed if the king is to rule righteously (4-5). It is better to wait to be invited to a higher rank than to be boastfully... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Proverbs 25:12

obedient = attentive. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 25:12

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

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 25:1-27

V. COLLECTION 5: SOLOMON’S MAXIMS EXPRESSING WISDOM CHS. 25-29We return now to consider more proverbs of Solomon (cf. Proverbs 1:1 to Proverbs 22:16). Chapters 25-26 contain proverbs that are mainly comparisons. The key words in these chapters are "like . . . so." Chapter 27 is a mixture of comparative and antithetical proverbs. Chapters 28-29 contain maxims that are mainly contrasts marked by the word "but." In all these chapters there are mostly couplets but also some longer proverbs. I... read more