TRV
Translation
King James Version
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For wisdome is better then precious stones: and all pleasures are not to be compared vnto her.
Young's Literal Translation
For better is wisdom than rubies, Yea, all delights are not comparable with it.
In the KJVVerse 16,614 of 31,102
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Commentary on Proverbs 8 verses 1–11
1 ¶ Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
The will of God revealed to us for our salvation is here largely represented to us as easy to be known and understood, that none may have an excuse for their ignorance or error, and as worthy to be embraced, that none may have an excuse for their carelessness and unbelief.
I. The things revealed are easy to be known, for they belong to us and to our children (Deu 29:29), and we need not soar up to heaven, or dive into the depths, to get the knowledge of them (Deu 30:11), for they are published and proclaimed in some measure by the works of the creation (Psa 19:1), more fully by the consciences of men and the eternal reasons and rules of good and evil, but most clearly by Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. The precepts of wisdom may easily be known; for, 1. They are proclaimed aloud (Pro 8:1): Does not Wisdom cry? Yes, she cries aloud, and does not spare (Isa 58:1); she puts forth her voice, as one in earnest and desirous to be heard. Jesus stood and cried, Joh 7:37. The curses and blessings were read with a loud voice by the Levites, Deu 27:14. And men's own hearts sometimes speak aloud to them; there are clamours of conscience, as well as whispers. 2. They are proclaimed from on high (Pro 8:2): She stands in the top of high places; it was from the top of Mount Sinai that the law was given, and Christ expounded it in a sermon upon the mount. Nay, if we slight divine revelation, we turn away from him that speaks from heaven, a high place indeed, Heb 12:25. The adulterous woman spoke in secret, the oracles of the heathen muttered, but Wisdom speaks openly; truth seeks no corners, but gladly appeals to the light. 3. They are proclaimed in the places of concourse, where multitudes are gathered together, the more the better. Jesus spoke in the synagogues and in the temple, whither the Jews always resorted, Joh 18:20. Every man that passes by on the road, of what rank or condition soever, may know what is good, and what the Lord requires of him, if it be not his own fault. There is no speech nor language where Wisdom's voice is not heard; her discoveries and directions are given to all promiscuously. He that has ears to hear, let him hear. 4. They are proclaimed where they are most needed. They are intended for the guide of our way, and therefore are published in the places of the paths, where many ways meet, that travellers may be shown, if they will but ask, which is the right way, just then when they are at a loss; thou shalt then hear the word behind thee, saying, This is the way, Isa 30:21. The foolish man known not how to go to the city (Ecc 10:15), and therefore Wisdom stands ready to direct him, stands at the gates, at the entry of the city, ready to tell him where the seer's house is, Sa1 9:18. Nay, she follows men to their own houses, and cries to them at the coming in at the doors, saying, Peace be to this house; and, if the son of peace be there, it shall certainly abide upon it. God's ministers are appointed to testify to people both publicly and from house to house. Their own consciences follow them with admonitions wherever they go, which they cannot be out of the hearing of while they carry their own heads and hearts about with them, which are a law unto themselves. 5. They are directed to the children of men. We attend to that discourse in which we hear ourselves named, though otherwise we should have neglected it; therefore Wisdom speaks to us: "Unto you, O men! I call (Pro 8:4), not to angels (they need not these instructions), not to devils (they are past them), not to the brute-creatures (they are not capable of them), but to you, O men! who are taught more than the beasts of the earth and made wiser than the fowls of heaven. To you is this law given, to you is the word of this invitation, this exhortation sent. My voice is to the sons of men, who are concerned to receive instruction, and to whom, one would think, it should be very welcome. It is not, to you, O Jews! only, that Wisdom cries, nor to you, O gentlemen! not to you, O scholars! but to you, O men! O sons of men! even the meanest." 6. They are designed to make them wise (Pro 8:5); they are calculated not only for men that are capable of wisdom, but for sinful men, fallen men, foolish men, that need it, and are undone without it: "O you simple ones! understand wisdom. Though you are ever so simple, Wisdom will take you for her scholars, and not only so, but, if you will be ruled by her, will undertake to give you an understanding heart." When sinners leave their sins, and become truly religious, then the simple understand wisdom.
II. The things revealed are worthy to be known, well worthy of all acceptation. We are concerned to hear; for, 1. They are of inestimable value. They are excellent things (Pro 8:6), princely things, so the word is. Though they are level to the capacity of the meanest, yet there is that in them which will be entertainment for the greatest. They are divine and heavenly things, so excellent that, in comparison with them, all other learning is but children's play. Things which relate to an eternal God, an immortal soul, and an everlasting state, must needs be excellent things. 2. They are of incontestable equity, and carry along with them the evidence of their own goodness. They are right things (Pro 8:6), all in righteousness (Pro 8:8), and nothing froward or perverse in them. All the dictates and directions of revealed religion are consonant to, and perfective of, the light and law of nature, and there is nothing in them that puts any hardship upon us, that lays us under any undue restraints, unbecoming the dignity and liberty of the human nature, nothing that we have reason to complain of. All God's precepts concerning all things are right. 3. They are of unquestionable truth. Wisdom's doctrines, upon which her laws are founded, are such as we may venture our immortal souls upon: My mouth shall speak truth (Pro 8:7), the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, for it is a testimony to the world. Every word of God is true; there are not so much as pious frauds in it, nor are we imposed upon in that which is told us for our good. Christ is a faithful witness, is the truth itself; wickedness (that is, lying) is an abomination to his lips. Note, Lying is wickedness, and we should not only refrain from it, but it should be an abomination to us, and as far from what we say as from what God says to us. His word to us is yea, and amen; never then let ours be yea and nay. 4. They are wonderfully acceptable and agreeable to those who take them aright, who understand themselves aright, who have not their judgments blinded and biassed by the world and the flesh, are not under the power of prejudice, are taught of God, and whose understanding he has opened, who impartially seek knowledge, take pains for it, and have found it in the enquiries they have hitherto made. To them, (1.) They are all plain, and not hard to be understood. If the book is sealed, it is to those who are willingly ignorant. If our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are lost; but to those who depart from evil, which is understanding, who have that good understanding which those have who do the commandments, to them they are all plain and there is nothing difficult in them. The way of religion is a highway, and the way-faring men, though fools, shall not err therein, Isa 35:8. Those therefore do a great wrong to the common people who deny them the use of the scripture under pretence that they cannot understand it, whereas it is plain for plain people. (2.) They are all right, and not hard to be submitted to. Those who discern things that differ, who know good and evil, readily subscribe to the rectitude of all Wisdom's dictates, and therefore, without murmuring or disputing, govern themselves by them.
III. From all this he infers that the right knowledge of those things, such as transforms us into the image of them, is to be preferred before all the wealth of this world (Pro 8:10, Pro 8:11): Receive my instruction, and not silver. Instruction must not only be heard, but received. We must bid it welcome, receive the impressions of it, and submit to the command of it; and this rather than choice gold, that is, 1. We must prefer religion before riches, and look upon it that, if we have the knowledge and fear of God in our hearts, we are really more happy and better provided for every condition of life than if we had ever so much silver and gold. Wisdom is in itself, and therefore must be in our account, better than rubies. It will bring us in a better price, be to us a better portion; show it forth, and it will be a better ornament than jewels and precious stones of the greatest value. Whatever we can sit down and wish for of the wealth of this world would, if we had it, be unworthy to be compared with the advantages that attend serious godliness. 2. We must be dead to the wealth of this world, that we may the more closely and earnestly apply ourselves to the business of religion. We must receive instruction as the main matter, and then be indifferent whether we receive silver or no; nay, we must not receive it as our portion and reward, as the rich man in his life-time received his good things.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–11. Public domain.
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Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Stromata Book 6
[Jesus] “spoke all things in parables, and without a parable he spoke nothing” [to the apostles]; and if “all things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made,” consequently also prophecy and the law were by him and were spoken by him in parables. “But all things are right,” says the Scripture, “before those who understand,” that is, those who receive and observe, according to the church’s rule of faith, the exposition of the Scriptures explained by him. And the church’s rule is the concord and harmony of the law and the prophets in the covenant delivered at the coming of the Lord. Knowledge is then followed by practical wisdom and practical wisdom by self-control, for it may be said that practical wisdom is divine knowledge and exists in those who share in God’s life, while the self-control that is mortal, which is present in those who philosophize, is not yet wise.
Basil of CaesareaAD 379
HOMILY ON THE BEGINNING OF PROVERBS 5
“Accept discipline, not silver,” so that at a time of calamity or physical illness or domestic trouble, you would think nothing at all perverse of God, but accept the blows meted out by him with great patience as though you were being castigated for your sins. Thus, conscious of being disciplined, say, “I will bear the wrath of the Lord because I have sinned against him.”
Cyril of AlexandriaAD 444
COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 133
It is written that “wisdom is better than stones of costly price; and all precious things are not comparable to her.” For the wisdom that comes from above, from God, is an incomparable blessing. When we attain to it by means of the holy Scripture, which is inspired of God, and gain the divine light to dwell in our minds, we then advance without wandering, and we come toward whatever is useful for our spiritual profit. Come, therefore, and let us now also scrupulously examine the meaning of the Gospel lessons.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Proverbs 8:11 unequivocally declares the supreme and incomparable value of wisdom, asserting its profound superiority over the most coveted material possessions and all human desires. This verse serves as a radical reorientation of priorities, challenging the common pursuit of fleeting earthly gains by elevating divine wisdom as the ultimate and most enduring treasure. It encapsulates a core message of the book of Proverbs, which consistently champions discernment, understanding, and righteous living as the pathway to a flourishing life, far surpassing any worldly wealth or aspiration.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Proverbs 8:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is Hyperbole, where the statement that wisdom is "better than rubies" and that "all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it" is an intentional exaggeration to emphasize wisdom's absolute and unparalleled worth. This overstatement highlights the infinite gap between wisdom and material possessions. Symbolism is also at play, with "rubies" serving as a potent symbol of ultimate material wealth, beauty, and earthly value. By contrasting wisdom with this symbol, the proverb underscores the spiritual and enduring nature of wisdom versus the temporal and fleeting nature of material riches. Furthermore, within the broader context of Proverbs 8, Personification is a dominant device, as Wisdom is portrayed as a living entity, speaking and making claims about her own value. While not explicit in verse 11 itself, the verse's declaration of value is spoken by this personified Wisdom, lending authority and gravitas to her self-assessment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 8:11 articulates a foundational biblical truth: true value and lasting satisfaction are found not in material wealth or fleeting desires, but in divine wisdom. This aligns with the consistent biblical emphasis on seeking spiritual treasures over earthly ones, recognizing that material possessions are temporary and cannot provide ultimate security or fulfillment. The verse challenges a worldly worldview that often equates prosperity with material accumulation, redirecting attention to the enduring benefits of discernment, understanding, and a life lived in accordance with God's principles. It underscores that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical, moral, and spiritual orientation that leads to life, peace, and true riches. This perspective is echoed throughout the wisdom literature and the New Testament, urging believers to prioritize spiritual growth and God's kingdom above all else.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 8:11 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine our deepest desires and evaluate what we truly value. In a consumer-driven world that constantly bombards us with messages about acquiring more, this verse calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities. Are we spending our time, energy, and resources primarily on accumulating wealth, pursuing fleeting pleasures, or chasing societal recognition? Or are we diligently investing in the pursuit of wisdom—through the study of God's Word, prayer, seeking godly counsel, and applying biblical principles to our lives? Embracing the truth of this verse means recognizing that true security, joy, and fulfillment are found not in what we possess, but in the character we cultivate and the discernment we gain from God. It encourages us to seek wisdom as a pearl of great price, willing to forgo lesser desires for this incomparable treasure that enriches every aspect of life and provides lasting peace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "rubies" symbolize in this verse?
Answer: In Proverbs 8:11, "rubies" (or pearls, depending on the specific translation of the Hebrew pânîyn) symbolize the pinnacle of earthly wealth, beauty, and material value. They represent the most precious and coveted possessions in the ancient world. By stating that wisdom is "better than rubies," the proverb uses a universally understood standard of immense material value to highlight wisdom's far superior and incomparable worth. It emphasizes that no amount of material wealth, no matter how great, can measure up to the enduring and life-giving benefits of divine wisdom. This symbolism is consistent throughout Proverbs, where wisdom (or the virtuous woman who embodies it) is repeatedly depicted as more valuable than the finest gold, silver, or jewels (e.g., Proverbs 3:14).
How can I gain the wisdom described in Proverbs 8:11?
Answer: The wisdom described in Proverbs is not merely intellectual knowledge but a practical skill for living a righteous and flourishing life in alignment with God's design. The book of Proverbs consistently points to the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom. To gain this wisdom, one must:
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 8:11, with its declaration of wisdom's incomparable value, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals that Jesus is the very embodiment and personification of divine wisdom. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:30 that Christ "has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him (Colossians 2:3). Therefore, to "find wisdom" is to find Christ; to "seek wisdom" is to seek Him. The "rubies" and "all things desired" that pale in comparison to wisdom in Proverbs 8:11 are overshadowed by the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord (Philippians 3:8). He is the true treasure, the pearl of great price, for which a person should sell all they have (Matthew 13:45-46). In Christ, we receive not just intellectual knowledge, but the practical, transforming wisdom that enables us to live skillfully and righteously in God's eyes, leading to eternal life and true flourishing.