King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Complete Jewish Bible:
For wisdom is better than pearls; nothing you want can compare with her.
Berean Standard Bible:
For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
American Standard Version:
For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
For wisdom{H2451} is better{H2896} than rubies{H6443}; and all the things that may be desired{H2656} are not to be compared{H7737} to it.
Cross-References (KJV):
Psalms 19:10
- More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Psalms 119:127
- ¶ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.
Proverbs 4:5
- Get wisdom, get understanding: forget [it] not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
Proverbs 4:7
- Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [therefore] get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 16:16
- ¶ How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Matthew 16:26
- For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Proverbs 3:14
- For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Proverbs 8:11
Proverbs 8:11 is part of a larger passage in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, where Wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to humanity, extolling the virtues of wisdom and understanding. The verse itself, "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it," emphasizes the superior value of wisdom over material wealth.
In the historical context of ancient Israel, rubies and other precious stones were symbols of great wealth and were highly sought after. By stating that wisdom surpasses even these valuable gems, the verse conveys the idea that wisdom is the most precious commodity one can possess. It suggests that the pursuit of wisdom should be a primary goal for individuals, as it offers benefits that exceed those of material possessions.
The themes of Proverbs 8:11 include the intrinsic value of wisdom, the comparison of intangible assets (like wisdom) to tangible wealth (like rubies), and the idea that wisdom provides a deeper, more enduring satisfaction than any material object. This verse reflects the broader wisdom literature tradition in the ancient Near East, which often contrasted the value of wisdom with that of physical riches. It also aligns with the teachings found throughout the Hebrew Bible, which consistently encourages the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as a path to a righteous and blessed life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H2451
There are 141 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חׇכְמָה
Transliteration: chokmâh
Pronunciation: khok-maw'
Description: from חָכַם; wisdom (in a good sense); skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. - Strong's Number: H2896
There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טוֹב
Transliteration: ṭôwb
Pronunciation: tobe
Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). - Strong's Number: H6443
There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּנִין
Transliteration: pânîyn
Pronunciation: paw-neen'
Description: or פָּנִי; from the same as פֵּן; probably a pearl (as round); ruby. - Strong's Number: H2656
There are 38 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֵפֶץ
Transliteration: chêphets
Pronunciation: khay'-fets
Description: from חָפֵץ; pleasure; hence (abstractly) desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence (by extension) a matter (as something in mind); acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. - Strong's Number: H7737
There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁוָה
Transliteration: shâvâh
Pronunciation: shaw-vaw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to level, i.e. equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust (i.e. counterbalance, be suitable, compose, place, yield, etc.); avail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon.