Proverbs 25:12
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As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
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It takes two to fight! It takes two to tango! Human relationships require at least two people. If neither will forfeit or forgive, there will be strife. If neither is bitter or selfish, there will be love. It also takes two to make beautiful jewelry! If a wise reprover corrects and instructs a submissive hearer, a beautiful combination occurs with the certain result of growth in wisdom. Are you both of these?
A simile compares two similar things by using "as" or "like." A wise reprover giving correction to a submissive hearer is like a beautiful gold earring on an attractive ear or like a piece of decorative jewelry or art made from fine gold. Gold earrings are beautiful, and so are creative works of jewelry or art done in fine gold. Likewise, a careful reprover speaking faithfully and kindly to an obedient hearer is similarly a beautiful thing.
A wise reprover knows how to rebuke and warn those out of the way of righteousness. He is discreet and prudent. He chooses the occasion and his words carefully. He is neither too harsh nor too lenient. He does not enforce personal preferences, but he does apply and defend the Word of God. He approaches the encounter with humility and affection, truly desiring the best for the other (Lev 19:17; Gal 6:1-3; I Thess 5:14; II Tim 2:24-26).
An obedient ear is a submissive and ready hearer - ear being synecdoche for a person who hears obediently with their ears. As the noble Bereans, they willing receive reproof and instruction with ready minds (Acts 17:11). As Cornelius, they want to know what they can do differently to please God and men (Acts 10:33). They are exceptional persons in that they appreciate the value of wise rebukes and teaching (9:9; 27:5-6; Ps 141:5).
Nathan the prophet and David the king were beautiful! David was guilty of aggravated adultery and murder. Nathan, an inspired wise reprover, came discreetly with a sad and provoking story of cruel oppression by a rich man over a poor man. David, an obedient ear, was righteously indignant at the oppression and confessed his sin (II Sam 12:1-14).
The Day of Pentecost was beautiful! Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, was a wise reprover indeed, as he rebuked the Jews for crucifying the Lord and Christ of Israel (Acts 2:14-36)! Three thousand hearers, pricked in their hearts by this glorious message, were obedient ears indeed, as they immediately wanted to know how to repent (Acts 2:37-41)!
Wise reprovers are often frustrated by disobedient ears! There is no beauty when haughty, stubborn, or rebellious hearers reject wise and skilled reprovers. Though they approach the offender with care and love, they are rebuffed and hated for daring to correct them (9:7-8; 23:9; 29:1; Matt 7:6). Our Lord, ever the wise reprover, was rejected by His hometown, in spite of being overwhelmingly gracious (Luke 4:14-30).
Obedient ears are often frustrated by foolish and lazy reprovers. Sometimes the reproof is poorly given, so the hearers are offended (I Kgs 12:1-19). Other times the reproof is not given at all, so the needy hearers, craving correction and instruction in righteousness, go their way without any help (Jer 23:22; Ezek 33:7-9; Matt 9:37-38).
Faithful pastors have labored hard with little fruit due to stubborn and rebellious hearers - disobedient ears that refuse to obey (Jer 25:4; 29:19; Ezek 33:30-33). The blood of the hearers will be on their heads. And submissive hearers have starved due to foolish and lazy pastors (Jer 23:25-32; I Tim 4:16). The hearers' blood will be on the pastors' heads!
Reader, are you both? Are you both a wise reprover and a submissive hearer? You must be both to be wise. Wisdom is first and foremost measured by your ability to receive a rebuke and warning and learn from them (1:5; 8:33-36; 2:1; 15:5,31-32). But wisdom is also measured by your ability to carefully give a reproof to those needing it (24:26; 25:11; Rom 15:1; Gal 6:1; Eph 4:29).
Are you a piece of fine gold in God's sight? Or a stench in his nostrils? Let every man take heed how he hears and speaks! You will give an account for every word of reproof you have heard and every word of reproof you have given! You have been warned!
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