Proverbs 3:15
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Proverbs 3:15
Proverbs often presents Wisdom as a personified, noble woman who calls people to follow her paths. Verse 15 places “her” (Wisdom) above all valued commodities. Rubies symbolize rare, exceptionally precious wealth in the ancient Near East; they were coveted beyond ordinary riches. By saying “all the things thou canst desire,” the verse emphasizes an unimaginable superiority of Wisdom over material possessions, status, or beauty. This is not a denial of wealth or desire in itself, but a reminder that Wisdom shapes what we pursue and how we measure worth. In the cultural milieu, a young person navigating life would be urged to prioritize a wise, morally formed life over short‑term pleasures or status symbols. The surrounding context—Proverbs 3:13–14, which extols the blessedness of obtaining wisdom and understanding—frames Wisdom as priceless, the safest interwoven treasure that never depreciates.
This verse anchors the value of Wisdom within a theologically centered life. Wisdom here is divine insight—the skill to live under God’s design, align with His purposes, and discern truth from folly. The comparison to rubies communicates that human pursuits of wealth, status, or pleasures pale before the moral and spiritual wealth that comes from knowing and applying God’s truth. It foreshadows the book’s larger teaching: fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Practically, it instructs believers to let ultimate allegiance be to God’s guidance rather than to accumulative gain. The emphasis on incomparable worth also guards against idolatry—the temptation to treat money, beauty, or prestige as ultimate goods.
Ask yourself: What do I pursue most when I’m stressed or given a choice? If I had to choose between a promotion (or money) and respecting integrity, which wins? This verse invites a reordering: Wisdom—aligning decisions with God’s principles—should be your ultimate treasure. Examples: in a job offer, weigh not only salary but whether the role advances honesty, mercy, and stewardship. In dating or friendship, prefer those who pursue wisdom, humility, and character over prestige. If you’re tempted to overspend to “keep up,” pause and ask, “What would Wisdom advise in this moment?” Practical steps include memorizing guiding verses, seeking counsel from mature believers, and tracking how decisions reflect trust in God rather than fear of missing out.
Cross-References: Proverbs 2:4–9; 8:10–11; 16:16; 28:6; Job 28:18