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Commentary on Proverbs 3 verses 13–20
Solomon had pressed us earnestly to seek diligently for wisdom (Pro 2:1, etc.), and had assured us that we should succeed in our sincere and constant pursuits. But the question is, What shall we get by it when we have found it? Prospect of advantage is the spring and spur of industry; he therefore shows us how much it will be to our profit, laying this down for an unquestionable truth, Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, that true wisdom which consists in the knowledge and love of God, and an entire conformity to all the intentions of his truths, providences, and laws. Now observe,
I. What it is to find wisdom so as to be made happy by it.
1.We must get it. He is the happy man who, having found it, makes it his own, gets both an interest in it and the possession of it, who draws out understanding (so the word it), that is, (1.) Who derives it from God. Having it not in himself, he draws it with the bucket of prayer from the fountain of all wisdom, who gives liberally. (2.) Who takes pains for it, as he does who draws ore out of the mine. It if do not come easily, we must put the more strength to draw it. (3.) Who improves in it, who, having some understanding, draws it out by growing in knowledge and making five talents ten. (4.) Who does good with it, who draws out from the stock he has, as wine from the vessel, and communicates to others, for their instruction, things new and old. That is well got, and to good purpose, that is thus used to good purpose.
2.We must trade for it. We read here of the merchandise of wisdom, which intimates, (1.) That we must make it our business, and not a by-business, as the merchant bestows the main of his thoughts and time upon his merchandise. (2.) That we must venture all in it, as a stock in trade, and be willing to part with all for it. This is that pearl of great price which, when we have found it, we must willingly sell all for the purchase of, Mat 13:45, Mat 13:46. Buy the truth, (Pro 23:23); he does not say at what rate, because we must buy it at any rate rather than miss it.
3.We must lay hold on it as we lay hold on a good bargain when it is offered to us, which we do the more carefully if there be danger of having it taken out of our hands. We must apprehend with all our might, and put forth our utmost vigour in the pursuit of it, lay hold on all occasions to improve in it, and catch at the least of its dictates.
4.We must retain it. It is not enough to lay hold on wisdom, but we must keep our hold, hold it fast, with a resolution never to let it go, but to persevere in the ways of wisdom to the end. We must sustain it (so some read it), must embrace it with all our might, as we do that which we would sustain. We must do all we can to support the declining interests of religion in the places where we live.
II. What the happiness of those is who do find it.
1.It is a transcendent happiness, more than can be found in the wealth of this world, if we had ever so much of it, Pro 3:14, Pro 3:15. It is not only a surer, but a more gainful merchandise to trade for wisdom, for Christ, and grace, and spiritual blessings, than for silver, and gold, and rubies. Suppose a man to have got these in abundance, nay, to have all the things he can desire of this world (and who is it that ever had?), yet, (1.) All this would not purchase heavenly wisdom; no, it would utterly be contemned; it cannot be gotten for gold, Job 28:15, etc. (2.) All this would not countervail the want of heavenly wisdom nor be the ransom of a soul lost by its own folly. (3.) All this would not make a man half so happy, no, not in this world, as those are who have true wisdom, though they have none of all these things. (4.) Heavenly wisdom will procure that for us, and secure that to us, which silver, and gold, and rubies, will not be the purchase of.
2.It is a true happiness; for it is inclusive of, and equivalent to, all those things which are supposed to make men happy, Pro 3:16, Pro 3:17. Wisdom is here represented as a bright and bountiful queen, reaching forth gifts to her faithful and loving subjects, and offering them to all that will submit to her government. (1.) Is length of days a blessing? Yes, the most valuable; life includes all good, and therefore she offers that in her right hand. Religion puts us into the best methods of prolonging life, entitles us to the promises of it, and, though our days on earth should be no more than our neighbour's, yet it will secure to us everlasting life in a better world. (2.) Are riches and honour accounted blessings? They are so, and them she reaches out with her left hand. For, as she is ready to embrace those that submit to her with both arms, so she is ready to give out to them with both hands. They shall have the wealth of this world as far as Infinite Wisdom sees good for them; while the true riches, by which men are rich towards God, are secured to them. Nor is there any honour, by birth or preferment, comparable to that which attends religion; it makes the righteous more excellent than his neighbour, recommends men to God, commands respect and veneration with all the sober part of mankind, and will in the other world make those that are now buried in obscurity to shine forth as the sun. (3.) Is pleasure courted as much as any thing? It is so, and it is certain that true piety has in it the greatest true pleasure. Her ways are ways of pleasantness; the ways in which she has directed us to walk are such as we shall find abundance of delight and satisfaction in. All the enjoyments and entertainments of sense are not comparable to the pleasure which gracious souls have in communion with God and doing good. That which is the only right way to bring us to our journey's end we must walk in, fair or foul, pleasant or unpleasant; but the way of religion, as it is the right way, so it is a pleasant way; it is smooth and clean, and strewed with roses: All her paths are peace. There is not only peace in the end, but peace in the way; not only in the way of religion in general, but in the particular paths of that way, in all her paths, all the several acts, instances, and duties of it. One does not embitter what the other sweetens, as it is with the allays of this world; but they are all peace, not only sweet, but safe. The saints enter into peace on this side heaven, and enjoy a present sabbatism.
3.It is the happiness of paradise (Pro 3:18): She is a tree of life. True grace is that to the soul which the tree of life would have been, from which our first parents were shut out for eating of the forbidden tree. It is a seed of immortality, a well of living waters, springing up to life eternal. It is an earnest of the New Jerusalem, in the midst of which is the tree of life, Rev 22:2; Rev 2:7. Those that feed and feast on this heavenly wisdom shall not only be cured by it of every fatal malady, but shall find an antidote against age and death; they shall eat and live for ever.
4.It is a participation of the happiness of God himself, for wisdom is his everlasting glory and blessedness, Pro 3:19, Pro 3:20. This should make us in love with the wisdom and understanding which God gives, that the Lord by wisdom founded the earth, so that it cannot be removed, nor can ever fail of answering all the ends of its creation, to which it is admirably and unexceptionably fitted. By understanding he has likewise established the heavens and directed all the motions of them in the best manner. The heavenly bodies are vast, yet there is no flaw in them - numerous, yet no disorder in them - the motion rapid, yet no wear or tear; the depths of the sea are broken up, and thence come the waters beneath the firmament, and the clouds drop down the dews, the waters from above the firmament, and all this by the divine wisdom and knowledge; therefore happy is the man that finds wisdom, for he will thereby be thoroughly furnished for every good word and work. Christ is that Wisdom, by whom the worlds were made and still consist; happy therefore are those to whom he is made of God wisdom, for he has wherewithal to make good all the foregoing promises of long life, riches, and honour; for all the wealth of heaven, earth, and seas, is his.
The souls of those who are about to speak with wisdom should first be cleansed through divine fear. For to distribute the mysteries of salvation to the general public and to receive all persons equally, including those whose life is not adorned with purity and those who have not been examined and prepared to make reasonable use of the mysteries, is like pouring one’s most precious ointment into a filthy vessel.
More precious than all riches, etc. Not only the riches of the earth but also the riches of heaven, indeed even the visions of angels, the brightness of this wisdom is preferred. Hence, the prophet also says: For what have I in heaven, and what do I want on earth other than You? and the rest through the end of the psalm (Psalm 73).
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:15 profoundly 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 foundational 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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and compelling message. Personification is central, as wisdom is vividly depicted as "she," a living entity with discernible attributes and immense value, making her far more relatable and desirable than an abstract concept. This device invites the reader into a dynamic relationship with wisdom, presenting her as a cherished companion. Hyperbole is powerfully 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 intentional exaggeration is not meant to be taken literally as a precise calculation but rather to underscore the immeasurable, transcendent, and absolute value of wisdom. The comparison to "rubies" functions as a potent Metaphor and Simile, utilizing a highly valued, concrete earthly object to illustrate the even greater, incomparable worth of wisdom. This tangible image helps the audience grasp the abstract concept of wisdom's supreme value with greater clarity and impact. The cumulative effect of these devices is to impress upon the reader the absolute priority and unparalleled benefit of diligently 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, as proclaimed in Proverbs 9:10. This wisdom is unequivocally seen as a divine attribute, present with God at creation and actively involved in its ordering, as beautifully described in Proverbs 8:22-31. It is also presented as the very source of life, honor, and prosperity for those who embrace her. The verse directly challenges the human tendency to prioritize material gain, shifting the focus to an internal, spiritual treasure that yields eternal dividends. It aligns perfectly 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 inherently fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:15 offers a radical and indispensable reorientation of our priorities in a world often obsessed with material acquisition, fleeting desires, and superficial success. It challenges us to pause, reflect deeply, and honestly consider what we truly value and diligently pursue in our lives. In an age where societal success is frequently measured by wealth, status, and accumulated possessions, this verse serves as a profound reminder that true and enduring treasure lies not in what we accumulate, but in the divine wisdom we acquire—a wisdom that is divine in origin, transformative in its effect, and eternal in its benefit. This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge or academic prowess, but a practical, spiritual understanding of God's character, His immutable principles for living, and His overarching purposes for our lives. It guides our decisions, shapes our character, and provides an unshakable foundation for enduring peace and profound joy that no earthly possession can ever offer. Applying this verse means intentionally seeking God's wisdom through diligent engagement with His Word, fervent prayer, and active participation in a believing community, allowing it to inform and transform every aspect of our lives. It means recognizing that the pursuit of divine wisdom is the most profitable, fulfilling, and eternally significant endeavor we can undertake, leading to a life of integrity, discernment, and lasting impact, far beyond any temporal gain or fleeting satisfaction.
Questions for Reflection
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 powerful literary device makes wisdom more relatable and tangible, presenting her as a wise guide, a source of abundant life, and an invaluable companion. The immediate context, specifically Proverbs 3:13, 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 as the most precious possession.
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, rare, and coveted possessions in the ancient world. They symbolized immense wealth, high status, and exquisite beauty. By comparing wisdom to rubies, the proverb utilizes a culturally understood benchmark of ultimate material value to highlight wisdom's even greater, incomparable worth. The profound point is not that wisdom is merely as valuable as rubies, but that she is more precious, transcending all earthly wealth and material possessions. This emphasizes that true treasure and lasting fulfillment are found in spiritual and moral insight, not in material accumulation, a theme powerfully echoed in other wisdom literature like Job 28:15-19.
How does Proverbs 3:15 relate to practical living today?
Answer: Proverbs 3:15 offers a vital and radical challenge to modern living by reorienting our priorities. In a world often driven by consumerism, the relentless pursuit of fleeting pleasures, and the accumulation of material possessions, it calls us to recognize that true and lasting fulfillment comes from acquiring divine wisdom—a practical understanding of God's ways and principles for life. This means prioritizing spiritual growth, diligently seeking guidance from God's Word, as illuminated in Psalm 119:105, 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, profound peace, and genuine joy that surpasses any earthly satisfaction or fleeting pleasure.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:15, with its profound exaltation of wisdom, finds its ultimate and most complete fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament wisdom tradition points to a divine attribute and a way of living that leads to blessing, the New Testament unequivocally reveals Christ as the very embodiment and perfect personification of God's wisdom. Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 1:24 that Christ is "the power of God, and the wisdom of God." Furthermore, in Colossians 2:3, 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 utterly incomparable to all desires, is fully and perfectly realized in the person of Jesus. To possess Christ is to possess true wisdom, for He is the one who perfectly reveals God the Father (John 1:18), teaches the definitive way of life and truth (John 14:6), and offers a profound satisfaction that surpasses all worldly desires and temporary pleasures (John 4:13-14). The diligent pursuit of wisdom, as passionately championed in Proverbs, culminates in a saving relationship with Christ, who is Himself our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). Thus, the incomparable value of wisdom in Proverbs 3:15 serves as a prophetic pointer to the supreme and unmatched value of knowing, following, and living in union with Jesus Christ.