Proverbs 3:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

NIV: She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

NASB: She is more precious than jewels, And nothing you desire compares with her.

CSB: She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her.

NLT: Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

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

NKJV: She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

In this verse Solomon continues to describe the value of wisdom. This continues the poetic representation of wisdom as a woman (Proverbs 1:20; 3:14). He says wisdom is more precious than jewels, and nothing anyone might desire can compare with wisdom. Proverbs uses the term wisdom in reference to something more than mere intelligence, or knowledge. Biblical wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a godly way. That capacity to follow God's will is incredibly valuable—more so than any material possession ever would be.

The Hebrew word translated "jewels" in the ESV is pe'niy'yim, which more or less means "pearls," but can also be applied to all kinds of precious gems. As of this writing, an emerald-and-diamond ring associated with the Rockefeller family carries an estimated value of $5.5 million in United States dollars. A stone known as the Oppenheimer Blue diamond carries a value more than $57.5 million, and the famous Hope Diamond is estimated to be worth $250 million. Nevertheless, none of these gems are as valuable as wisdom.

Furthermore, this Scripture affirms that nothing a person can desire can compare with wisdom. That includes all possessions, accolades, and luxuries. A person may desire fame or fortune, but wisdom is far better. Even ownership of the world's highest priced mansion, automobile, yacht, or private jet cannot compare with the value of wisdom. A truly wise person can enjoy fellowship with God now and forever as well as eternal rewards, whereas a worldly-wise person without God may surround himself with luxuries, but he has nothing of eternal value.

Proverbs 3:13–26 extols the virtue of wisdom. Solomon began this discussion in chapter 1, and explained in chapter 2 that the Lord gives wisdom to the upright. Now he describes as blessed the person who finds wisdom, and explains its benefits and applications. Wisdom, as used in this book, refers to the ability to apply godly knowledge. While not a guarantee someone will act accordingly, having a grasp of God's intent for our lives is immensely valuable.

This chapter of Proverbs is addressed to Solomon's son. The term, ''my son'' occurs 15 times in chapters 1—7. The words may apply to one of Solomon's students in his court or to one of his biological sons. The application of wisdom in Proverbs 3 shows the benefits of trusting in the Lord with one's whole heart. Solomon credits obedience to and trust in God for longevity, success, guidance, health, reward that exceeds monetary wealth, enjoyment, peace, security, confidence, excellent human relationships, the Lord's blessing and favor, and honor. As with all ''proverbs,'' biblical or otherwise, their purpose is to impart general wisdom, not absolute prophecy. Like the original audience, modern readers are not expected to see these guidelines as absolute guarantees for any one person.

This passage lies in the second section of the book, found in chapters 1—9. The author, King Solomon, reigned over Israel from 971 to 931 BC. The first section of Proverbs, the preface, is found in Proverbs 1:1–7. The third section, chapters 10—22, were also written by Solomon. These proverbs were likely written by Solomon in his middle years, whereas he probably wrote Song of Songs in his early adulthood, and Ecclesiastes near the end of his life. As in the first two chapters, wisdom is stressed in Proverbs 3.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.