Proverbs 3:15

KJV

She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

KJV (with Strong's)

She is more precious {H3368} than rubies {H6443}: and all the things thou canst desire {H2656} are not to be compared {H7737} unto her.

Complete Jewish Bible

she is more precious than pearls -nothing you want can compare with her.

Berean Standard Bible

She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.

American Standard Version

She is more precious than rubies: And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:15 extols the unparalleled and incomparable value of divine wisdom, personified as a woman, declaring her worth to be far superior to the most precious material possessions, such as rubies, and indeed, to anything one might desire. This verse serves as a profound statement on the supreme priority and enduring benefit of acquiring and embracing godly understanding over all earthly pursuits and fleeting treasures, establishing wisdom as the ultimate source of true fulfillment and lasting prosperity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:15 is situated within a larger fatherly instruction (Proverbs 3:1-18) that passionately urges the reader to embrace and cling to wisdom. The passage begins with exhortations to remember God's law and commands ([Proverbs 3:1](/proverbs/3-1 "Proverbs 3:1 - Remember God's Law")), promising blessings like long life and peace. Wisdom is personified throughout this section, particularly from [Proverbs 3:13](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13 - Blessed is the one who finds wisdom"), where she is explicitly identified as the source of happiness and blessing. This personification elevates wisdom from an abstract concept to a living, active entity, making her attributes and benefits more tangible and appealing. Verse 15 directly follows the declaration of wisdom's blessedness, reinforcing her supreme value as the culmination of the benefits previously described, such as pleasant ways and paths of peace ([Proverbs 3:17](/proverbs/3-17 "Proverbs 3:17 - Wisdom's Pleasant Ways")). The entire chapter underscores the practical, life-giving implications of living according to God's wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly in Israel, wisdom was highly esteemed, often associated with kingship, governance, and the ability to live a prosperous and righteous life. The book of Proverbs itself is a product of the Israelite wisdom tradition, which sought to transmit practical and theological truths across generations. Precious stones like rubies, pearls, or corals (the likely referents of the Hebrew *pânîyn*) were exceedingly rare and valuable commodities in the ancient world, often reserved for royalty, temples, or as symbols of immense wealth and status. By comparing wisdom to these highly prized gems, the proverb utilizes a culturally resonant metaphor to emphasize its extraordinary worth. The concept of "desire" (Hebrew *chêphets*) encompasses not just material longings but also aspirations for honor, power, or personal gratification, all of which are declared inferior to wisdom. This context highlights a counter-cultural message, prioritizing spiritual and moral insight over material accumulation.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Proverbs 3:15 is the **Supreme Value of Wisdom**. The verse unequivocally asserts that wisdom surpasses even the most coveted earthly treasures, such as rubies, establishing its incomparable worth. This theme is foundational to the entire book of Proverbs, which consistently presents wisdom as the "principal thing" ([Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing")). Relatedly, the verse highlights the **Incomparable Worth** of wisdom, declaring that "all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her." This reinforces that no amount of wealth, pleasure, or worldly achievement can equal the lasting benefit, satisfaction, and life-giving qualities found in divine wisdom. It transcends all human longing for temporal gain or fleeting pleasure, offering true fulfillment. Finally, the passage implicitly calls for **Divine Priority**, urging the reader to prioritize the pursuit and acquisition of wisdom above all else. This is not merely an intellectual exercise but a call to align one's life with God's principles, as wisdom is presented as the source of true prosperity, peace, and a blessed life, echoing the broader biblical call to seek God's kingdom first ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Precious (Hebrew, _yâqâr'_):** Derived from the root H3368, this word signifies something valuable, costly, or honorable. It can refer to an object's objective worth or its subjective esteem. In Proverbs 3:15, applying *yâqâr* to wisdom emphasizes her inherent, objective value that far exceeds any material commodity. It denotes a quality of being esteemed and highly regarded, suggesting that wisdom possesses a brilliance and excellence that makes her truly invaluable.
* **Rubies (Hebrew, _pânîyn'_):** From H6443, this term most likely refers to pearls, corals, or other precious stones highly valued in the ancient world for their rarity, beauty, and cost. By comparing wisdom to *pânîyn*, the text uses a tangible, universally recognized symbol of extreme wealth and beauty to create a vivid contrast. The point is not just that wisdom is valuable, but that she surpasses even the most highly prized possessions of the ancient world.
* **Compared (Hebrew, _shâvâh'_):** From H7737, this root means "to level," "to equalize," or "to resemble." Figuratively, it implies setting one thing against another to assess their equivalence or similarity. In this verse, the negative "not to be compared" emphatically states that no earthly desire or possession can be placed on the same level as wisdom; there is no equivalence or resemblance in value. Wisdom stands in a category of her own, utterly unmatched by anything else one might pursue or acquire.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She [is] more precious than rubies":** This opening clause immediately establishes wisdom's supreme value. The personified "she" (referring to wisdom) is declared to possess a worth that surpasses even the most esteemed and costly jewels of the ancient world. The use of "more precious" indicates a qualitative and quantitative superiority, not just a slight edge, but an overwhelming difference in value. Rubies, symbolizing ultimate material wealth and beauty, are set up as the benchmark, only to be decisively outranked by wisdom.
* **"and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.":** This second clause expands and reinforces the first, broadening the scope beyond just rubies to encompass "all the things thou canst desire." This includes wealth, fame, power, pleasure, or any other human aspiration. The phrase "not to be compared" is a strong negation, asserting that no earthly longing or possession can even be placed on the same scale as wisdom. Wisdom's value is utterly unique and unparalleled, fulfilling the deepest human longings in a way that no material or temporal pursuit ever can.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is central, as wisdom is depicted as "she," a living entity with attributes and value, making her more relatable and desirable than an abstract concept. This device invites the reader into a relationship with wisdom. **Hyperbole** is evident in the declaration that wisdom is "more precious than rubies" and that "all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her." This exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally as a precise calculation but rather to underscore the immeasurable and transcendent value of wisdom. The comparison to "rubies" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Simile**, using a highly valued earthly object to illustrate the even greater, incomparable worth of wisdom. This concrete image helps the audience grasp the abstract concept of wisdom's supreme value. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the reader the absolute priority and unparalleled benefit of pursuing divine wisdom above all else.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration of Proverbs 3:15 resonates deeply with broader biblical theology, particularly concerning the nature of true wealth and the source of genuine life. The Old Testament consistently elevates wisdom, not merely as intellectual acumen, but as a practical, moral, and spiritual discernment rooted in the fear of the Lord ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")). This wisdom is seen as a divine attribute, present with God at creation ([Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Role in Creation")), and the source of life, honor, and prosperity for those who embrace her. The verse challenges the human tendency to prioritize material gain, shifting the focus to an internal, spiritual treasure that yields eternal dividends. It aligns with the biblical principle that true blessing comes from aligning one's life with God's will and understanding His ways, rather than accumulating earthly possessions, which are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying.

* [Proverbs 8:11](/proverbs/8-11 "Proverbs 8:11 - Wisdom Better Than Rubies") - "For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."
* [Job 28:15-19](/job/28-15 "Job 28:15-19 - Wisdom's Unattainable Price") - "It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof... The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold."
* [Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven") - "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven... For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:15 offers a radical reorientation of our priorities in a world obsessed with material acquisition and fleeting desires. It challenges us to pause and consider what we truly value and pursue. In an age where success is often measured by wealth, status, and possessions, this verse reminds us that true treasure lies not in what we accumulate, but in the wisdom we acquire—a wisdom that is divine in origin and transformative in its effect. This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge or academic prowess, but a practical understanding of God's character, His principles for living, and His purposes for our lives. It guides our decisions, shapes our character, and provides a foundation for enduring peace and joy that no earthly possession can offer. Applying this verse means intentionally seeking God's wisdom through His Word, prayer, and community, allowing it to inform every aspect of our lives. It means recognizing that the pursuit of divine wisdom is the most profitable and fulfilling endeavor we can undertake, leading to a life of integrity, discernment, and lasting significance, far beyond any temporal gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "rubies" or "things desired" in my life that I often prioritize over seeking God's wisdom?**
* **How does my daily schedule and financial allocation reflect my true priorities regarding wisdom versus worldly pursuits?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to intentionally seek God's wisdom more diligently, rather than relying on my own understanding or worldly advice?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper desire for divine wisdom, recognizing its incomparable worth as described in this verse?**

### FAQ

**What does "she" refer to in Proverbs 3:15?**

Answer: In Proverbs 3:15, "she" refers to **Wisdom**, which is personified throughout the book of Proverbs, particularly in chapters 1-9. This literary device makes wisdom more relatable and tangible, presenting her as a guide, a source of life, and a valuable companion. The immediate context, specifically [Proverbs 3:13](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13 - Blessed is the one who finds wisdom"), explicitly states, "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding." Thus, "she" is an embodiment of divine wisdom and understanding, urging the reader to seek and embrace her.

**Why are "rubies" used as a point of comparison for wisdom?**

Answer: Rubies (or more broadly, precious stones like pearls or corals, referred to by the Hebrew *pânîyn*) were among the most valuable and coveted possessions in the ancient world. They symbolized immense wealth, status, and beauty. By comparing wisdom to rubies, the proverb uses a culturally understood benchmark of ultimate material value to highlight wisdom's even greater, incomparable worth. The point is not that wisdom is merely *as* valuable as rubies, but that she is *more* precious, transcending all earthly wealth. This emphasizes that true treasure is found in spiritual and moral insight, not in material possessions, a theme echoed in other wisdom literature like [Job 28:15-19](/job/28-15 "Job 28:15-19 - Wisdom's Unattainable Price").

**How does Proverbs 3:15 relate to practical living today?**

Answer: Proverbs 3:15 offers a vital challenge to modern living by reorienting our priorities. In a world driven by consumerism and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, it calls us to recognize that true and lasting fulfillment comes from acquiring divine wisdom, which is a practical understanding of God's ways and principles. This means prioritizing spiritual growth, seeking guidance from God's Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalm/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")), and cultivating a discerning heart over accumulating wealth or status. It encourages us to make choices that align with eternal values rather than temporal desires, leading to a life of integrity, peace, and genuine joy that surpasses any earthly satisfaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:15, with its exaltation of wisdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wisdom tradition points to a divine attribute and a way of living, the New Testament reveals Christ as the very embodiment and personification of God's wisdom. Paul declares in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") that Christ is "the power of God, and the wisdom of God." Furthermore, in [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - All Treasures of Wisdom in Christ"), we are told that "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Therefore, the "she" of Proverbs 3:15, representing wisdom more precious than rubies and incomparable to all desires, is fully realized in the person of Jesus. To possess Christ is to possess true wisdom, for He is the one who reveals God fully ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), teaches the way of life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and offers a satisfaction that surpasses all worldly desires ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Living Water")). The pursuit of wisdom, as championed in Proverbs, culminates in a relationship with Christ, who is Himself our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")). Thus, the incomparable value of wisdom in Proverbs 3:15 is a prophetic pointer to the supreme and unmatched value of knowing and following Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 8:11

For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Job 28:18

No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom [is] above rubies.

Romans 8:18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Psalms 73:25

Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

Psalms 73:26

My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Psalms 63:3

¶ Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Proverbs 20:15

¶ There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.