Proverbs 20:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

NIV: Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

NASB: There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.

CSB: There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.

NLT: Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.

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

NKJV: There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

Solomon makes an interesting comparison in this verse. He compares the value of speaking knowledgeably with the value of gold and jewels and concludes that wise words are more precious. This valuation of godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 3:1–6) is expressed in numerous ways in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 3:13–15; 16:16; 22:1). Well-considered, well-timed, well-spoken wisdom is an incredibly valuable gift (Proverbs 8:11; 15:23; 27:9).

Jesus, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), always spoke wisely. He taught about heaven, the value of human life, righteousness, pleasing and glorifying God, and genuine love for God and others. Consequently, crowds followed Him to hear what He would say, and it was said that "no one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). Jesus rightly claimed, "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63). When Jesus asked His disciples if they would abandon Him, Peter quickly responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

Proverbs 20:12–30 touches on a variety of subjects as Solomon (Proverbs 10:1) wisely observes what is right and what is wrong. He censures deceit and dishonest gain but commends honesty, love, and loyalty. This section also includes common sense reminders about topics like business and hastiness.

In this section of Solomon's wise sayings (Proverbs 10:1), he again discusses a wide range of subjects. These echo many of the common themes of the book of Proverbs. Solomon warns against foolishness (Proverbs 1:7), hastiness, angering authorities, and the consequences of sin and dishonesty. Several references condemn dishonest business dealings. Others note the value of diligence in making decisions.

This chapter of Proverbs belongs to the second division of the book that extends from Proverbs chapter 10 to chapter 22, in which there are nearly 400 wise sayings. Proverbs 20 continues the collection of Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter Solomon focuses on numerous things which harm the unwise. Among them are laziness, wrong values, and bad decisions.

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.

Accessed 5/3/2024 9:40:29 PM