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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/3-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_03_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 3:15 - The Blessings of Wisdom" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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nothing you desire can compare with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />She <i>is</i> more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />She <i>is</i> more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than jewels, And nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />She is more precious than pearls; And nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies; And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire compares with her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies: And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies: and none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[Wisdom] is more precious than jewels, and all your desires cannot equal it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />She [is] precious above rubies, "" And all your pleasures are not comparable to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Precious she is above rubies, And all thy pleasures are not comparable to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />She is precious above red corals: and all thy delights shall not be equal with her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than all riches : and all the things that are desired, are not to be compared with her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />She is more precious than all riches, and all that can be desired cannot prevail in comparison to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />She is more precious than corals, and no treasure of yours can compare with her. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />She is more valuable than precious stones; and there is nothing to be compared to her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For it is more valuable than precious stones and nothing is comparable to it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />She is more precious than rubies; And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And she is more valuable than precious stones: no evil thing shall resist her: she is well known to all that approach her, and no precious thing is equal to her in value.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/3-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=443" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/3.htm">The Blessings of Wisdom</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hî (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">She</a> <a href="/hebrew/3368.htm" title="3368: yə·qā·rāh (Adj-fs) -- Precious, rare, splendid, weighty. From yaqar; valuable.">is more precious</a> <a href="/hebrew/6443.htm" title="6443: mip·pə·nī·yīm (Prep-m:: N-fp) -- Corals. Or paniy; from the same as pen; probably a pearl.">than rubies;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: wə·ḵāl (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">nothing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2656.htm" title="2656: ḥă·p̄ā·ṣe·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Delight, pleasure. From chaphets; pleasure; hence desire; concretely, a valuable thing; hence a matter.">you desire</a> <a href="/hebrew/7737.htm" title="7737: yiš·wū- (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to level, i.e. Equalize; figuratively, to resemble; by implication, to adjust.">compares</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">with her.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-18.htm">Job 28:18</a></span><br />Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Proverbs 8:11</a></span><br />For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-16.htm">Proverbs 16:16</a></span><br />How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Matthew 13:44-46</a></span><br />The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-10.htm">Psalm 19:10</a></span><br />They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-72.htm">Psalm 119:72</a></span><br />The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-127.htm">Psalm 119:127</a></span><br />Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:12</a></span><br />For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-6.htm">Isaiah 33:6</a></span><br />He will be the sure foundation for your times, a storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the LORD is Zion’s treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">1 Kings 3:11-14</a></span><br />So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this instead of requesting long life or wealth for yourself or death for your enemies—but you have asked for discernment to administer justice— / behold, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been another like you, nor will there ever be. / Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-17.htm">Ephesians 1:17-18</a></span><br />that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in your knowledge of Him. / I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her.</p><p class="hdg">more</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Proverbs 8:11</a></b></br> For wisdom <i>is</i> better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15</a></b></br> There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge <i>are</i> a precious jewel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a></b></br> Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price <i>is</i> far above rubies.</p><p class="hdg">all</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/63-3.htm">Psalm 63:3</a></b></br> Because thy lovingkindness <i>is</i> better than life, my lips shall praise thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/73-25.htm">Psalm 73:25,26</a></b></br> Whom have I in heaven <i>but thee</i>? and <i>there is</i> none upon earth <i>that</i> I desire beside thee… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a></b></br> For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time <i>are</i> not worthy <i>to be compared</i> with the glory which shall be revealed in us.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/89-6.htm">Comparable</a> <a href="/psalms/89-6.htm">Compare</a> <a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Compared</a> <a href="/psalms/89-6.htm">Comparison</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-30.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/psalms/55-13.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-9.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/job/28-17.htm">Jewels</a> <a href="/psalms/36-8.htm">Pleasures</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-13.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/job/28-18.htm">Rubies</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Value</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Comparable</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Compare</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Compared</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Comparison</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-25.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-9.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Jewels</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-8.htm">Pleasures</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-26.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Rubies</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-12.htm">Value</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-1.htm">various exhortations</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">The gain of wisdom</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Exhortation to goodness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">33. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/3-33.htm">the different state of the wicked and upright</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>She is more precious than rubies;</b><br>In the biblical context, wisdom is often personified as a woman, and here, she is described as being more valuable than rubies. Rubies, along with other precious stones, were highly prized in ancient times, symbolizing wealth and beauty. The comparison highlights the supreme value of wisdom over material wealth. In the ancient Near East, rubies were considered rare and valuable, often used in royal adornments and treasures. This phrase emphasizes that wisdom surpasses even the most treasured earthly possessions. The value of wisdom is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/job/28-18.htm">Job 28:18</a>, where wisdom is said to be more precious than pearls. This aligns with the biblical theme that spiritual and moral insight is of greater worth than physical riches.<p><b>nothing you desire compares with her.</b><br>This phrase underscores the incomparable worth of wisdom. In a culture that often pursued wealth, power, and status, the assertion that nothing one desires can compare to wisdom is profound. It suggests that all human aspirations and desires fall short when measured against the value of wisdom. This idea is reinforced in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field, worth selling everything to obtain (<a href="/matthew/13-44.htm">Matthew 13:44</a>). The pursuit of wisdom is akin to seeking the kingdom of God, which is of ultimate value. The phrase also points to the idea that true fulfillment and satisfaction are found not in material possessions or earthly achievements, but in the pursuit of divine wisdom and understanding.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often focus on the value of wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom (Personified as a Woman)</a></b><br>In Proverbs, wisdom is often personified as a woman, emphasizing her value and desirability. This personification helps readers understand the relational and nurturing aspects of wisdom.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written. Wisdom literature was highly valued in ancient Israel, and the pursuit of wisdom was seen as a path to a righteous and fulfilling life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_incomparable_value_of_wisdom.htm">The Incomparable Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is described as more precious than rubies, indicating that it surpasses all material wealth. In our lives, we should prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over the accumulation of material possessions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/desire_for_wisdom_over_worldly_desires.htm">Desire for Wisdom Over Worldly Desires</a></b><br>The verse challenges us to evaluate our desires. Are we seeking wisdom and understanding, or are we more focused on temporary, worldly gains?<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_as_a_guide_for_life.htm">Wisdom as a Guide for Life</a></b><br>Embracing wisdom leads to a life aligned with God's will. It provides guidance and clarity in decision-making, helping us navigate life's complexities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_relational_aspect_of_wisdom.htm">The Relational Aspect of Wisdom</a></b><br>By personifying wisdom as a woman, the scripture invites us to develop a relationship with wisdom, nurturing it as we would a valued companion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom's_role_in_spiritual_growth.htm">Wisdom's Role in Spiritual Growth</a></b><br>Pursuing wisdom is integral to spiritual maturity. It deepens our understanding of God's character and His purposes for our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'more_precious_than_rubies'.htm">What does "More Precious Than Rubies" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_god_intend_it_for_good.htm">What does 'More Precious Than Rubies' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_wisdom_'she'_in_proverbs.htm">Why is Wisdom personified as "she" in Proverbs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_christ's_peace_rule_in_your_heart.htm">What are 'Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Rubies.</span>--The meaning of the Hebrew <span class= "ital">peninim </span>is doubtful. <a href="/lamentations/4-7.htm" title="Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire:">Lamentations 4:7</a> shows the colour to have been red; "coral" is a probable rendering; that of "pearls" is unlikely. For the thought, comp. <a href="/context/job/28-15.htm" title="It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.">Job 28:15-19</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Rubies</span> (Khetib, <span class="accented">p'niyim</span>; Keri, <span class="accented">p'ninim</span>). No unanimous opinion has been arrived at as to the real signification of the word here translated "rubies." The majority of the rabbins (among them Rashi), and Bochart, Hartman, Bohlen, Lee on <a href="/job/38-18.htm">Job 38:18</a>, and Zockler, render it "pearls." Its meaning seems to lie between this and "corals," the rendering adopted by Michaelis, Gesenius, and Delitzsch (following Fleischer), who says that the Hebrew <span class="accented">p'ninim</span> corresponds with the Arabia word whose root idea is "shooting forth," and means "a branch." The peculiar branching form in which corm is found favours this opinion, which is strengthened by the passage in <a href="/lamentations/4-7.htm">Lamentations 4:7</a>, where we get additional information as to color, "They [the Nazarites] were more ruddy in body than rubies," a description of which would apply to "coral," but is scarcely applicable to "pearls." The various versions suggest the further idea that <span class="accented">p'ninim</span> was a descriptive word used to denote precious stones in general. The LXX. renders, "She is more precious than precious stones (<span class="greek">λίθων πολυτελῶν</span>)." So the Targum Jonathan, Syriac, and Arabic. The Vulgate renders. "She is more precious than all riches (<span class="accented">cunctis opibus</span>)." The word <span class="accented">p'ninim</span> only occurs here (Keri) and in <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Proverbs 8:11</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15</a>; <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Proverbs 31:10</a>; and in Job and Lamentations as above. This passage, as well as <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Proverbs 8:11</a>, which is an almost literal repetition of it, are imitations of <a href="/job/28-18.htm">Job 28:18</a>. The identification of <span class="accented">p'ninim</span> with "pearls" may have suggested our Lord's parable of the pearl of great price (<a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">Matthew 13:45, 46</a>). <span class="cmt_word">All the things thou canst desire</span> (<span class="accented">kal-khaphatseyka</span>); literally, <span class="accented">all thy desires.</span> Here everything in which you have pleasure, or all your precious things; LXX., <span class="greek">πᾶν τίμον</span>; Vulgate, <span class="accented">omnia, quae desiderantur.</span> The comparison, which has risen from the less to the more valuable, culminates in this comprehensive expression. There is nothing, neither silver, gold, precious stones, nor anything precious, which is an equivalent (<span class="accented">shavah</span>) to Wisdom in value. How it shows, when everything is put before us to choose from, that, like Solomon at Gibeon, we should prefer wisdom (<a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">1 Kings 3:11-13</a>)! In the second half of this verse the LXX. substitutes, "No evil thing competes with her; she is well known to all that approach her." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/3-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">She</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֭יא</span> <span class="translit">(hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is more precious</span><br /><span class="heb">יְקָ֣רָה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·qā·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3368.htm">Strong's 3368: </a> </span><span class="str2">Precious, rare, splendid, weighty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">than rubies;</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפְּנִינִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pə·nî·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6443.htm">Strong's 6443: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pearl</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing</span><br /><span class="heb">וְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you desire</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲ֝פָצֶ֗יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·p̄ā·ṣe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2656.htm">Strong's 2656: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter</span><br /><br /><span class="word">compares</span><br /><span class="heb">יִֽשְׁווּ־</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·wū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7737.htm">Strong's 7737: </a> </span><span class="str2">To level, equalize, to resemble, to adjust</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with her.</span><br /><span class="heb">בָֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies (Prov. 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