Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.
Parallel translations
- WEB There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
- KJV There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious 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.
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. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
- Prov 25:12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
- Prov 16:24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
- Prov 16:16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
- Prov 3:15She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
- Rom 10:14–15How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?
- Eccl 12:9–11Further, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge. Yes, he pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.
- Prov 15:7The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.
- Job 28:12–19“But where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?
- Eph 4:29Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Prov 10:20–21The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
- Prov 16:21The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.
- Prov 15:23Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!
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.