No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom [is] above rubies.
No mention {H2142} shall be made of coral {H7215}, or of pearls {H1378}: for the price {H4901} of wisdom {H2451} is above rubies {H6443}.
let alone coral or crystal; for indeed, the price of wisdom is above that of pearls.
Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal: Yea, the price of wisdom is above rubies.
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Proverbs 3:15
She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. -
Ezekiel 27:16
Syria [was] thy merchant by reason of the multitude of the wares of thy making: they occupied in thy fairs with emeralds, purple, and broidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate. -
Proverbs 31:10
¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies. -
Lamentations 4:7
Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing [was] of sapphire: -
Matthew 13:45
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: -
Matthew 13:46
Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. -
Revelation 18:12
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
Job 28:18 is a profound declaration within a magnificent hymn to wisdom, found in the book of Job. This verse emphasizes the incomparable value of true wisdom by juxtaposing it against the most coveted natural treasures.
Context of Job 28:18
Chapter 28 of Job stands as a poetic interlude, distinct from the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends. It describes humanity's incredible ingenuity in mining the earth for precious metals and stones, reaching into the deepest, darkest places. Yet, despite this remarkable human capability to find hidden earthly riches like gold, silver, and sapphires, the chapter asserts that wisdom remains elusive and cannot be purchased or discovered through human effort alone. This section serves to elevate divine wisdom above all human endeavors and material wealth, setting the stage for God's eventual speeches.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is chokmah (חָכְמָה), which encompasses not just intellectual knowledge but also practical skill, discernment, and moral understanding, often rooted in a reverence for God. The term "rubies" (Hebrew: peninim, פְּנִינִים) refers to highly prized gemstones, frequently used in biblical literature as a benchmark for extreme value. The declaration that wisdom is "above rubies" (literally "more precious than rubies") is a strong statement of its supreme worth, a theme echoed elsewhere in Scripture.
Related Scriptures
The sentiment expressed in Job 28:18 is beautifully echoed in the wisdom literature of the Bible, particularly in Proverbs:
Practical Application and Reflection
Job 28:18 serves as a timeless reminder about what truly holds lasting value. In a world often driven by the pursuit of wealth, status, and material possessions, this verse calls us to re-evaluate our priorities. True wisdom—which ultimately stems from a right relationship with God and understanding His ways—offers a richness that earthly treasures cannot provide. It brings discernment, peace, and a proper perspective on life's challenges. Seeking this divine wisdom should be our greatest pursuit, for its price is truly immeasurable, far exceeding the value of any earthly gain.