“An as earring of gold, and an ornament of
fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”
Proverbs 25:12 (King James Version)
The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible commentary says that “The listening ear is better than
one hung with gold.” This is a saying of great value and worthy to be esteemed, for we
often spend a great deal of time focused on our appearance versus the all-important
factor of our character, causing us to neglect who we are and who we are becoming.
External trappings such as clothes, shoes and jewellery become a focus as we get dressed
in the morning. Then as a wise reprover on a cool, unhurried morning, Proverbs 25:12
waltzes in to remind us that we are more than our fashion, more than our attire, more
than our sacrifice of modesty. We are called to be obedient, especially when receiving
wise counsel.
1Samuel 15:22 states, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat
of rams.” So, how are you doing on the obedience scale? On a scale of 1–10, with 10 being
the highest form of obedience and 1 being the lowest, where do you fall? Take time right
now to measure yourself.
If you deem that you are doing well, continue to adhere to His Word, to be surrounded by
His promises and to be an encouragement to other believers. If there are areas in which
you need improvement, there is a simple challenge- When you are getting dressed in the
morning and you delicately place your earrings in your ear, say this prayer:
Prayer
Lord, help me to have an obedient ear that follows your Word, commandments and
instructions. Enable me to be meek and humble, so that I may receive the reproof of the
wise, in Jesus’ name, Amen.