Proverbs 3:15 kjv
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Proverbs 3:15 nkjv
She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Proverbs 3:15 niv
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3:15 esv
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3:15 nlt
Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 3 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 3:13-14 | Happy is the man who finds wisdom... Her proceeds are better than silver... | Immediate context: Wisdom brings happiness & profit |
| Prov 8:10-11 | Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies... | Wisdom's value above gold & gems. |
| Prov 8:19 | My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, And my revenue than choice silver. | Wisdom's produce superior to riches. |
| Prov 16:16 | How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. | Seeking wisdom preferred over material gain. |
| Eccl 7:12 | For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. | Wisdom provides greater life security. |
| Job 28:15-19 | It cannot be purchased with gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price... It cannot be valued with gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or quartz, For the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, Nor can it be valued in pure gold. | Wisdom's unattainable price in material terms. |
| Prov 20:15 | There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a more precious jewel. | Knowledge/wisdom is the highest treasure. |
| Prov 31:10 | Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. | A virtuous character (like wisdom) exceeds riches. |
| Matt 6:19-21 | Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. | Focus on spiritual, lasting treasures. |
| Phil 3:7-8 | But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord... | All worldly achievements are insignificant compared to knowing Christ (Wisdom). |
| Col 2:3 | in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | Christ is the embodiment of all wisdom. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. | God freely grants wisdom to those who ask. |
| 1 Cor 1:24 | but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. | Christ personifies God's wisdom. |
| 1 Cor 1:30 | But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— | Christ made our wisdom. |
| 1 Kgs 3:9-13 | Solomon asked for an understanding heart to judge Your people... I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor... | Solomon chose wisdom over material wealth, received both. |
| Ps 119:72 | The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver. | God's word (source of wisdom) is worth more than riches. |
| Ps 19:10 | More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. | God's precepts/judgments (wisdom) are greatly desired. |
| Is 55:1-2 | Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me, and eat what is good... | Seeking true nourishment/satisfaction (spiritual) beyond material things. |
| Lk 12:33-34 | Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail... | Heavenly treasures are eternal and more valuable. |
| Heb 11:26 | esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. | Spiritual identification with Christ over worldly riches. |
| Prov 4:7 | Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. | Emphasizes wisdom as the utmost priority. |
| Prov 2:4-5 | If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. | Intensive pursuit required for wisdom, leading to knowledge of God. |
Proverbs 3 verses
Proverbs 3 15 Meaning
Proverbs 3:15 profoundly declares the surpassing value of divine wisdom. It asserts that wisdom is immeasurably more precious than any earthly treasure, exemplified by rubies, and transcends all human desires or aspirations. This means that no amount of material wealth, honor, pleasure, or any other coveted worldly attainment can ever equate to the supreme worth and lasting benefit derived from possessing and living by God-given wisdom. It elevates wisdom to the ultimate pursuit for true blessedness and fulfillment.
Proverbs 3 15 Context
Proverbs 3:15 stands within a larger instructional section where a father-figure exhorts his son to embrace and diligently seek wisdom. Immediately preceding, verses 13-14 pronounce blessings upon those who find wisdom, highlighting its inherent value as profitable and yielding a better return than silver or gold. Following verse 15, verses 16-18 enumerate wisdom's further benefits, including long life, riches, honor, pleasant paths, peace, and the gift of life itself. The entire chapter functions as a potent appeal to trust in the Lord and to acquire divine wisdom as the most crucial and beneficial endeavor in life, contrasting it implicitly with the fleeting allure of worldly possessions and desires, a common theme in ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. This underscores wisdom's central role not just as an abstract concept, but as a practical guide for ethical and prosperous living in alignment with God's design.
Proverbs 3 15 Word analysis
- She: This pronoun refers directly to "wisdom," which is personified throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly in chapters 1, 8, and 9, as a woman. The Hebrew term is הִיא (hi), a feminine pronoun. This personification imbues wisdom with relational qualities, making her a figure to be sought, found, and cherished, thereby emphasizing her active and transformative presence in a person's life, not merely as an abstract concept.
- is more precious: The Hebrew word is יָקָר (yaqar), meaning valuable, costly, splendid, noble, or rare. The comparative structure ("more precious than") intensifies its significance, asserting that wisdom's worth fundamentally exceeds that of the most coveted material possessions. It highlights both intrinsic value and superior worth compared to all earthly measures.
- than rubies: The Hebrew word is פְּנִינִים (pninim), typically translated as "rubies" or sometimes "pearls." Regardless of the exact gem, it unequivocally refers to an exceptionally valuable, beautiful, and highly desired gemstone in ancient times. The choice of "rubies" symbolizes the epitome of earthly wealth and beauty, making the comparison a strong declaration of wisdom's paramount value above all material riches. This imagery is consistently used in the Wisdom literature (e.g., Job 28:18; Prov 8:11; 20:15; 31:10) to emphasize the unattainable value of wisdom with any physical substance.
- and all the things thou canst desire: The Hebrew phrase is וְכָל-חֲפָצֶיךָ (v'khol chaphatseycha), meaning "and all your desires" or "all your delights." This expands the scope beyond just material wealth to encompass any human longing, aspiration, or source of pleasure. This includes reputation, power, sensory delights, human relationships, or even worldly knowledge and achievements. It is a comprehensive declaration that nothing the human heart yearns for, apart from wisdom, can offer true and lasting satisfaction.
- are not to be compared unto her: The Hebrew phrase is לֹא יִשְׁווּ-בָהּ (lo yishvu vah), literally "they are not equal to her" or "not on par with her." The verb root שׁוה (shawa) means to be level, equal, or comparable. This directly asserts wisdom's unique and incomparable standing. It indicates an ultimate qualitative difference; worldly pursuits or possessions can never reach the same level of enduring benefit, satisfaction, or divine favor that wisdom provides.
Words-group analysis:
- "She is more precious than rubies": This opening phrase establishes a clear, immediate hierarchy, placing personified Wisdom at the zenith of value, outranking even the most esteemed and globally recognized symbols of extreme wealth. This powerful simile underscores that wisdom offers a treasure of an entirely different, superior order.
- "and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her": This broadens the scope significantly, moving beyond mere physical treasures. It asserts that nothing in the entirety of human longing, every ambition, pleasure, or perceived fulfillment, can truly measure up to or parallel the comprehensive worth of divine wisdom. This universal declaration renders wisdom the singularly unparalleled source of lasting worth and contentment.
Proverbs 3 15 Bonus section
- Wisdom's Unattainable Price: The theme of wisdom's value being beyond any monetary equivalent is strikingly echoed in Job 28, where wisdom is repeatedly described as unpurchasable with gold, silver, or any precious stones (Job 28:15-19). This highlights that wisdom is a divine gift and pursuit, not a commodity that can be acquired through human wealth or effort alone, reinforcing its transcendent nature.
- Holistic Value: While Proverbs 3:15 focuses on comparative value, the surrounding verses (Prov 3:16-18) reveal the holistic benefits of wisdom. It grants not just happiness and abstract worth, but also "length of days," "riches and honor," "pleasantness" in pathways, "peace," and is described as a "tree of life." This underscores that wisdom is not merely "better" than worldly things but is truly life-giving and life-enriching in every aspect.
- The Pursuit of Wisdom: The language implies an active pursuit. One doesn't accidentally stumble upon wisdom. The phrasing "Happy is the man who finds wisdom" (Prov 3:13) and later Proverbs sections which encourage diligently searching for her (Prov 2:4) reinforces the idea that acquiring such incomparable value requires intentional effort, fervent desire, and reliance on God.
Proverbs 3 15 Commentary
Proverbs 3:15 serves as a compelling and concise exhortation to prioritize God's wisdom above all earthly things. It masterfully uses two distinct but reinforcing comparisons: first, a direct material contrast ("more precious than rubies"), and second, an all-encompassing philosophical contrast ("all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared"). This duality highlights wisdom's superiority over both tangible riches and the intangible aspirations of the human heart. The verse encapsulates a foundational biblical truth: true value and ultimate satisfaction are not found in the acquisition of worldly goods or the fulfillment of carnal desires, but in embracing and living by divine insight and understanding. This wisdom, when understood through a New Testament lens, culminates in Christ Himself, who is revealed as the power and wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24, 30), and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col 2:3). Therefore, to desire wisdom profoundly is to seek God and His Christ above all else, acknowledging that only He provides lasting life, peace, and spiritual abundance that far outshine any temporal treasure.