Like a gold earring or a gold ornament is a wise reproof to a receptive ear. Proverbs 25:12, TLV

Wear the Correction?     I’m not much of a jewelry-wearer. How about you? My wedding bands, earrings, and a necklace that I don’t remove, perhaps the occasional bracelet is generally all I wear. That means I have drawers and boxes of jewelry — most I’ve never worn.

So, if you happen to receive a piece of jewelry from me, well . . . Re-gifting is good for the environment, right?

Now, just because I don’t wear a lot of glitz, it doesn’t mean what I wear I don’t love. I really do. If I’m wearing it, know that it holds a special place in my heart. And, be warned, I will wear it out.

A Favorite Piece of Correction?

With today’s proverb, my brain will sometimes glitch in processing. Mostly because of the jewelry-thing, but also because, who likes a correction?

So, here’s where I have to start my meditation: if someone gives me an expensive piece of jewelry, I know that they see me in a certain way. A positive way. So much so that they are investing in me. It costs the giver.

Jewelry = Reproof/Correction

Okay, here it comes!

If I apply that analogy, then a reproof by someone who sees me — as a whole, not just my mistake or misbehavior — is very valuable. They are investing in me. It costs them to give this correction because they don’t know if I will “wear it.” Or if it will sit in a drawer or — yikes — I’ll get rid of it.

Now, there is the issue of being a receptive ear. I tell you that I’m not a jewelry person, but the real question is: will I accept a wise reproof? I try. My first instinct might be, “Oy! ‘Jewelry!’” However, if I pause, look at the giver, see their investment, I hope that I leave the encounter with, “Wow! I needed to hear that! I’m going to ‘wear’ this!”

Wearing the Reproof

Over the years, I’ve worn many reproofs. Those I value greatly. Then there are those relegated to the drawer. Perhaps to one day be worn at the right time. Then the others I give away because others might find it more valuable.

Were those decisions always wise? Probably not. But I’m trying. And that is wise in our Father’s eyes.

Think More About It

How about you? Do you value reproof as an expensive ornament?

Until tomorrow, may we wear the wise reproof, my friends.

Thank you for your continued prayers for Israel. God bless you and Shabbat Shalom!