There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Parallel translations
- WEB There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
- BSB There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
- NKJV There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
- NASB There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.
- NLT Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Wise, knowledgeable speech is rarer and more valuable than gold or jewels. It matters because it prizes wisdom above material wealth.
Overview
Gold and rubies are abundant compared to the genuine treasure of 'lips of knowledge.' The proverb elevates wise, truthful speech as the truly precious commodity (Proverbs 3:13-15; 8:10-11). It reorients our values toward the wisdom that comes from God, ultimately found in Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Prov 8:11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
- Prov 25:12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
- Prov 16:24Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
- Prov 16:16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
- Prov 3:15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
- Rom 10:14–15How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
- Eccl 12:9–11And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
- Prov 15:7The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
- Job 28:12–19But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?
- Eph 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
- Prov 10:20–21The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth.
- Prov 16:21The wise in heart shall be called prudent: and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.
- Prov 15:23A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 20:15 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.