Proverbs 20:15 kjv
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Proverbs 20:15 nkjv
There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Proverbs 20:15 niv
Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
Proverbs 20:15 esv
There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Proverbs 20:15 nlt
Wise words are more valuable
than much gold and many rubies.
Proverbs 20 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 3:13-15 | Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding, for her gain is better than gain of silver... more precious than rubies; and all thy desirable things are not to be compared to her. | Wisdom's superior value over all riches. |
| Prov 8:10-11 | Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. | Echoes the preeminence of wisdom over material wealth. |
| Prov 16:16 | How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! | Getting wisdom is explicitly better than gaining wealth. |
| Prov 10:20-21 | The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many... | Contrasts valuable speech with worthless thoughts, valuing righteous lips. |
| Prov 15:7 | The lips of the wise disperse knowledge... | Direct parallel regarding lips dispersing knowledge. |
| Prov 25:11-12 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. | Illustrates the beauty and value of well-spoken words. |
| Matt 6:19-21 | Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. | Warns against storing earthly treasures, contrasts with heavenly, eternal treasures. |
| Luke 12:33-34 | Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. | Encourages seeking lasting, heavenly treasure over perishable earthly wealth. |
| Phil 3:7-8 | But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ... I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord... | Apostle Paul valuing Christ's knowledge above all else. |
| Col 2:3 | In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | All true treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. |
| 1 Tim 6:6-10 | But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out... for the love of money is the root of all evil... | Emphasizes spiritual gain and warns against the pursuit of wealth. |
| Ps 19:7-11 | The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple... more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. | God's words (His law, testimony) are more desirable and valuable than gold. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. | Wisdom is a divine gift, indicating its supreme worth. |
| Jas 3:13 | Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. | Connects wisdom and knowledge to righteous conduct and conversation. |
| Eccl 7:11-12 | Wisdom is good with an inheritance... For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. | Wisdom's protective and life-giving qualities surpass money. |
| Dan 12:3 | And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. | Wisdom leads to spiritual radiance and helps others, indicating its profound impact. |
| Mal 3:17 | And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. | God considers His people, refined by truth and wisdom, as His jewels. |
| Titus 2:7-8 | In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed... | Emphasizes the importance of sound, uncondemnable speech for godly living and teaching. |
| Prov 22:1 | A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. | A good reputation, often built on wise words and deeds, is superior to riches. |
| Prov 21:20 | There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up. | The wise person stores up true value, suggesting spiritual richness. |
| Isa 55:10-11 | For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven... so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void... it shall accomplish that which I please... | The enduring and fruitful power of God's spoken word, which is the source of all true knowledge. |
| Eph 4:29 | Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. | Encourages speech that edifies and gives grace, highlighting the positive impact of wise words. |
| Prov 4:7 | Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. | Wisdom is presented as the foundational and most important pursuit. |
| Zech 8:16 | These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour... | Highlights truth-speaking as a righteous act, aligning with lips of knowledge. |
Proverbs 20 verses
Proverbs 20 15 Meaning
Proverbs 20:15 declares that while material wealth, symbolized by gold and countless precious gems like rubies, is highly valued by the world, a far greater and more enduring treasure is found in the wise and insightful words spoken from a heart filled with divine knowledge. It contrasts the perishable nature of earthly riches with the profound and lasting value of expressed wisdom, establishing it as the truly precious possession.
Proverbs 20 15 Context
Proverbs chapter 20, like many chapters in the Book of Proverbs, is a compilation of various short, pithy sayings designed to impart wisdom for daily living. These proverbs often stand alone but collectively address a wide range of topics, including justice, diligence, integrity, humility, the nature of fools, the importance of honest weights, and the power of words. Within this collection, Proverbs 20:15 functions as a wisdom declaration concerning true value, contrasting material wealth—which the ancient world universally esteemed—with the superior worth of wise speech. It sets forth a foundational principle about where real richness lies, echoing other proverbs that elevate wisdom above gold and rubies. Historically and culturally, societies of the ancient Near East, including Israel, placed immense value on precious metals and gemstones as indicators of status, power, and security. Gold and rubies (peninim possibly referring to pearls, coral, or other precious gems more broadly than just modern rubies) were the epitome of this material wealth. By drawing a direct comparison, the proverb directly challenges a worldly viewpoint that solely values tangible assets, subtly promoting an alternative, spiritual valuation rooted in God-given wisdom.
Proverbs 20 15 Word analysis
- There is gold:
- gold: Hebrew: zahav (זָהָב). Represents material wealth, highly valued, universally sought. In ancient cultures, gold symbolized permanence and purity among earthly treasures, yet the proverb contrasts it with something more enduring.
- and a multitude of rubies:
- multitude: Hebrew: u-rav (וְרָב), meaning "and much" or "and abundance of." It emphasizes not just rubies, but many rubies, signifying a vast collection or extreme richness.
- rubies: Hebrew: peninim (פְּנִינִים). While often translated "rubies," this term broadly refers to very precious jewels or corals. In other biblical texts (e.g., Job 28:18; Prov 3:15, 8:11, 31:10), it consistently denotes something of the highest, most exceptional value, often even more prized than gold. Its repeated use in comparison with wisdom underlines its status as the pinnacle of worldly treasures.
- but: Hebrew: və (וְ), functioning here as a strong adversative, introducing a contrasting idea that significantly diminishes the preceding assertion. It signals a shift from earthly value to a higher, divine one.
- the lips of knowledge:
- lips: Hebrew: śip̄ṯê (שִׂפְתֵי), the plural construct form of śāp̄â (שָׂפָה), meaning "lip" or "edge." Here it specifically signifies spoken words, speech, or the faculty of utterance. The emphasis is not merely on possessing knowledge but on the articulation of it.
- knowledge: Hebrew: da‘aṯ (דָּעַת). This isn't mere factual information but deep understanding, insight, discernment, and often wisdom gained through experience or divine revelation. It encompasses both intellectual comprehension and moral wisdom. "Lips of knowledge" therefore refers to speech imbued with divine wisdom, understanding, and sound judgment, communicated effectively and redemptively.
- are a precious jewel:
- a precious jewel: Hebrew: kəlî yāqār (כְּלִי יָקָר). Kəlî (כְּלִי) can mean a vessel, implement, article, or even a jewel/valuable object. Yāqār (יָקָר) means precious, rare, costly, honored, or valuable. Together, it conveys an object of supreme and enduring worth, an esteemed possession. It's an item that is rare, hard to acquire, and universally held in high regard for its intrinsic value.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "There is gold, and a multitude of rubies": This phrase establishes the benchmark for ultimate material wealth and highly sought-after treasures in the ancient world. It represents the worldly standard of value, possessions that bring earthly power, security, and prestige.
- "but the lips of knowledge": This marks a radical contrast, shifting the focus from external, tangible wealth to an internal, spiritual attribute expressed outwardly. The "lips of knowledge" refer to the valuable counsel, wise teaching, truthful pronouncements, and discerning words that flow from a person who genuinely possesses divine wisdom and understanding. It signifies communication that enriches, guides, and blesses.
- "are a precious jewel": This declares the inherent and enduring superiority of spoken wisdom over all material possessions. It identifies such speech as a possession of far greater worth, not merely comparable to gold or rubies, but the precious treasure. This wisdom provides true lasting value, spiritual richness, and beneficial impact far beyond the temporal gains of physical wealth.
Proverbs 20 15 Bonus section
- The proverb implicitly encourages not just acquiring wisdom but diligently applying and expressing it for the benefit of others. True wisdom is not stagnant but active.
- The emphasis on "lips" points to the immense power of human speech, affirming that words can be instruments of immense good and profound value, or conversely, great destruction. The verse encourages using speech for edification and truth.
- The comparison serves as an enduring reminder to prioritize spiritual and eternal values over transient earthly pursuits. What is considered precious by the world is often trivial in God's eyes, and vice-versa.
- This verse underpins the importance of discipleship and teaching within the faith. The transfer of godly wisdom and knowledge through spoken instruction becomes the most valuable gift one can impart.
Proverbs 20 15 Commentary
Proverbs 20:15 succinctly teaches a profound principle: the enduring and true treasure is not found in perishable material possessions but in the inherent worth of wisdom expressed through speech. The comparison is stark and intentional: gold and "multitude of rubies"—representing the apex of earthly riches and desired commodities—are directly pitted against "the lips of knowledge." This suggests that while society may covet precious metals and gems, God's wisdom, articulated through discerning words, holds unparalleled value. The verse emphasizes not just the possession of knowledge, but its expression. It highlights that a person who can speak with understanding, offer wise counsel, and share truth is more valuable and a greater asset than someone simply wealthy in possessions. This spoken wisdom, stemming from God-given insight, nourishes souls, builds communities, provides direction, and outlasts any earthly inheritance. It is a divine gift that enriches not only the speaker but also those who hear, serving as a beacon in darkness, a comfort in distress, and a guide to righteousness. Thus, the pursuit and cultivation of divine knowledge and the careful use of one's words to convey that knowledge are presented as life's most precious and eternally rewarding endeavor.