“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold”: In this verse Revised Standard Version follows the Hebrew clause order. See 8.11 for a similar comparison of wisdom with jewels. The word translated “ring” refers in Gen 35.4 to an earring and in Gen 24.22 to a nose ring. “Ornament” translates a word that occurs elsewhere in the Old Testament only in Song 7.1, where Revised Standard Version translates “jewels.” Some interpreters prefer “necklace.” “Gold” in “ornament of gold” translates a different word than that used in “gold ring”. It may refer to gold of a particularly high quality. See Good News Translation “finest gold.” New English Bible/Revised English Bible have “Nubian gold,” where “Nubian” refers to the southern area of Egypt which was known for its fine gold. It is sufficient in translation to say “fine gold” or “pure gold.”

“Is a wise reprover to a listening ear”: “A reprover” refers to a person who corrects, scolds, or convinces someone of their wrong behavior. “A listening ear” refers to a person who is open to correction and change of behavior. See Good News Translation “someone willing to listen.” We may translate this saying, for example, “Correction given by a wise person to someone open to advice is like a gold ring and a pure gold necklace.” It is rendered as follows in one translation: “If a wise person uses strong talk to another person to make him straight, and the other person listens to him, that is better than a ring or chain of the finest gold.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .