Proverbs 8:11 kjv
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Proverbs 8:11 nkjv
For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.
Proverbs 8:11 niv
for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11 esv
for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11 nlt
For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
Nothing you desire can compare with it.
Proverbs 8 11 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Job 28:15-19 | It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver... be weighed for the price of wisdom... | Wisdom's value transcends precious metals. |
| Psa 19:10 | More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold... | God's law (wisdom) is more valuable than gold. |
| Psa 119:72 | The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. | God's word (wisdom) exceeds vast riches. |
| Pro 3:15 | She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. | Direct parallel, emphasizes wisdom's worth. |
| Pro 4:7 | Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. | Wisdom is paramount, foundational acquisition. |
| Pro 16:16 | How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver! | Wisdom is inherently better than wealth. |
| Pro 20:15 | There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. | Knowledge/wisdom is a true treasure. |
| Ecc 7:11-12 | Wisdom is good with an inheritance... wisdom is a defence... | Wisdom offers protection and value. |
| Mat 6:19-21 | Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... | Heavenly treasures (wisdom) outweigh earthly. |
| Luk 12:15 | Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. | Life's true worth is not material. |
| Phil 3:7-8 | What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ... that I may win Christ. | Valuing Christ (Wisdom) above all earthly gain. |
| Col 2:2-3 | In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. | Christ is the embodiment of all wisdom. |
| Jas 1:5 | If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God... | Wisdom is a gift from God. |
| Rev 3:18 | I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich... | Heavenly "riches" of God's counsel. |
| Isa 55:1-2 | Buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do ye spend money for that which is not bread...? | God's provisions (spiritual wisdom) are free and fulfilling. |
| Jer 9:23-24 | Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me. | True glory is knowing God (source of wisdom), not earthly things. |
| Heb 11:24-26 | Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. | Choosing spiritual alignment over material wealth. |
| Pro 23:23 | Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. | Emphasizes acquiring and holding onto wisdom. |
| Psa 49:6-7 | They that trust in their wealth... None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him. | Wealth cannot save or redeem. |
| Pro 11:4 | Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. | Wealth is useless in ultimate judgment. |
Proverbs 8 verses
Proverbs 8 11 Meaning
Proverbs 8:11 proclaims the incomparable value of wisdom. It asserts that wisdom is inherently superior to the most precious earthly possessions, exemplified by rubies or costly jewels. Furthermore, it states unequivocally that absolutely nothing desired or pursued by human hearts, whether wealth, pleasure, honor, or power, can measure up to or be equated with true wisdom. This verse underscores wisdom's preeminence as the most desirable and beneficial acquisition, outweighing all transient earthly treasures.
Proverbs 8 11 Context
Proverbs 8 presents wisdom (חָכְמָה, ḥokhmāh) as a woman, personified and speaking directly. She contrasts herself with Folly (Proverbs 7) and portrays her character, divine origin, moral purity, and unparalleled value. Beginning from verse 1, she calls out to humanity, making herself accessible and desirable. The broader context of Proverbs aims to impart practical wisdom for living a godly life, showing the paths of righteousness lead to blessing and the paths of folly to destruction. Verse 11 is part of Wisdom's direct declaration of her supreme worth, following statements about her pleasantness and riches (Pro 8:6-10). Historically, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, precious gems like rubies, often symbolizing wealth and high status, were among the most coveted possessions. By elevating wisdom above these, the proverb makes a direct theological and moral argument, subtly challenging the prevalent cultural prioritization of material wealth over spiritual and moral discernment. This statement is a powerful polemic against any belief system or societal value that places transient, tangible assets above intangible, divine truth.
Proverbs 8 11 Word analysis
- For (Kî, כִּֽי־): A conjunction here signifying cause or reason, introducing the justification for valuing wisdom. It essentially means "because" or "for this reason."
- wisdom (ḥokhmāh, חָכְמָה): Refers to skilled living, practical knowledge, discernment, and insight, particularly moral and spiritual. It encompasses not just intellectual understanding, but the ability to apply truth effectively in life's situations. It originates from God and is often personified in Proverbs.
- is better (ṭôḇ, טוֹב): Meaning good, pleasing, superior, or more advantageous. It implies a qualitative and moral superiority, not just a comparative one. Wisdom doesn't just offer more benefits; it is fundamentally more excellent and desirable.
- than rubies (pěnînîm, פְּנִינִים): Precious gems, commonly identified as pearls or red stones like coral or rubies, which were exceptionally valuable and rare in the ancient world. They represent the peak of earthly wealth and beauty. The comparison highlights wisdom's surpassing value over material riches.
- and all the things that may be desired (wəḵol-ḥăfāṣîm, וְכָל־חֲפָצִֽים): "And all desires" or "all delights." This phrase encompasses every object of human longing, pursuit, or pleasure – whether it's wealth, fame, power, luxury, beauty, or any other earthly aspiration. This broad phrase emphasizes that nothing in human experience that is longed for can compete with wisdom.
- are not to be compared to it (lōʾ yišwū-vāh, לֹא־יִשְׁו֤וּ־בָ֑הּ): Literally "they are not equal to it" or "they cannot be set against it." This stresses the absolute incomparability of wisdom. There is no common metric or scale upon which wisdom and earthly desires can be weighed against each other; wisdom stands in a class of its own.
Words-group analysis
- Wisdom is better than rubies: This phrase sets up the primary comparison, identifying the highest material value in ancient terms (rubies/precious gems) and immediately declaring wisdom's superiority. This highlights wisdom as the supreme possession.
- And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it: This expands the scope from specific valuable items (rubies) to anything that human beings desire, making the statement comprehensive. The use of "not to be compared" intensifies the declaration of wisdom's absolute and unparalleled value, making it beyond any earthly scale of worth.
Proverbs 8 11 Bonus section
The personification of wisdom in Proverbs 8, culminating in declarations like verse 11, points prophetically towards Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the "wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:24). The eternal nature of wisdom described earlier in the chapter (Pro 8:22-31) reinforces this connection, showing divine wisdom existed before creation and participated in it. Thus, the pursuit of wisdom in this verse is not merely an intellectual exercise but a call to embrace the very essence of God's revealed character and plan, fully embodied in Christ. This makes the verse not just a statement on valuing discernment, but an implicit invitation to seek after Christ Himself, in whom "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden" (Col 2:3).
Proverbs 8 11 Commentary
Proverbs 8:11 powerfully declares the infinite and unparalleled value of wisdom. It functions as a core statement within the personification of Wisdom, challenging a purely materialistic worldview prevalent both then and now. Wisdom is portrayed as having an intrinsic and absolute worth that far outstrips the fleeting value of physical treasures like rubies, which represent the apex of earthly wealth. Beyond material riches, wisdom is presented as superior to all human desires, encompassing fame, power, pleasure, and success—everything the heart typically covets. This truth calls believers to prioritize spiritual understanding and righteous living over the accumulation of transient goods or the pursuit of temporal gratification. True fulfillment and enduring gain are found in acquiring and walking in wisdom, which ultimately is rooted in the fear of the Lord and perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ (Col 2:3). This verse compels a realignment of values, encouraging a pursuit of wisdom that yields life and blessing.