12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.

13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.

15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.

Other Translations of Proverbs 25:12-15

King James Version

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.

English Standard Version

12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.

The Message

12 And a wise friend's timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

13 Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat - refreshing!

14 Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces.

15 Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. A Person Without Self-Control

New King James Version

12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.

15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

New Living Translation

12 To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.

13 Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.

14 A person who promises a gift but doesn't give it is like clouds and wind that bring no rain.

15 Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 25:12-15

Commentary on Proverbs 25:11-12

(Read Proverbs 25:11-12)

A word of counsel, or reproof, rightly spoken, is especially beautiful, as fine fruit becomes still more beautiful in silver baskets.

Commentary on Proverbs 25:13

(Read Proverbs 25:13)

See what ought to be the aim of him that is trusted with any business; to be faithful. A faithful minister, Christ's messenger, should be thus acceptable to us.

Commentary on Proverbs 25:14

(Read Proverbs 25:14)

He who pretends to have received or given that which he never had, is like the morning cloud, that disappoints those who look for rain.

Commentary on Proverbs 25:15

(Read Proverbs 25:15)

Be patient to bear a present hurt. Be mild to speak without passion; for persuasive language is the most effectual to prevail over the hardened mind.