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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 20:15 There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/20-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/20_Pro_20_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 20:15 - Wine is a Mocker" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure." /><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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But lips of knowledge are a <i>more</i> precious thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />There is gold, and an abundance of pearls; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />There is gold, and an abundance of pearls, But the lips of knowledge are a vessel of preciousness [the most precious of all].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Sensible words are better than gold or jewels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />There is gold, and abundance of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />There are gold and plenty of jewels, but the lips of knowledge are precious gems.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you know what you are talking about, you have something more valuable than gold or jewels. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />There is an abundance of gold and precious stones, but lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, "" Indeed, a precious vessel, [are] lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, Yea, a precious vessel, are lips of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />There is gold and a multitude of pearls: and a precious vessel the lips of knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There is gold, and a multitude of jewels: but the lips of knowledge are a precious vessel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />There is gold, and there are a multitude of jewels. But lips of knowledge are a precious vessel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One can put on gold and abundant jewels, but wise lips are the most precious ornament. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Again he says, Here is gold and a multitude of precious stones and precious vessels; but the lips of knowledge are precious jewels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But let him say, "Here is gold and a multitude of precious stones and valuable vessels, and the lips of knowledge.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/20-15.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=4030" 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/20.htm">Wine is a Mocker</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">14</span>“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yêš (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">There is</a> <a href="/hebrew/7230.htm" title="7230: wə·rāḇ- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Multitude, abundance, greatness. From rabab; abundance.">an abundance</a> <a href="/hebrew/2091.htm" title="2091: zā·hāḇ (N-ms) -- Gold. From an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky.">of gold</a> <a href="/hebrew/6443.htm" title="6443: pə·nî·nîm (N-fp) -- Corals. Or paniy; from the same as pen; probably a pearl.">and rubies,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śip̄·ṯê- (N-fdc) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">but lips</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏā·‘aṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">of knowledge</a> <a href="/hebrew/3366.htm" title="3366: yə·qār (N-ms) -- Preciousness, price, honor. From yaqar; value, i.e. wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity.">are a rare</a> <a href="/hebrew/3627.htm" title="3627: ū·ḵə·lî (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- An article, utensil, vessel. From kalah; something prepared, i.e. Any apparatus.">treasure.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.…<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="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-15</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Proverbs 8:10-11</a></span><br />Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / 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="/job/28-12.htm">Job 28:12-19</a></span><br />But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...<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/2-2.htm">Colossians 2:2-3</a></span><br />that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13-18</a></span><br />Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. / But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1-6</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-7.htm">Proverbs 4:7</a></span><br />Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.<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="/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="/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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-20.htm">Proverbs 10:20</a></span><br />The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11-12</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. / Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm">Proverbs 3:15</a></b></br> She <i>is</i> more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.</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/10-20.htm">Proverbs 10:20,21</a></b></br> The tongue of the just <i>is as</i> choice silver: the heart of the wicked <i>is</i> little worth… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/job/28-18.htm">Corals</a> <a href="/psalms/49-8.htm">Costly</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-19.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-22.htm">Jewel</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Jewels</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-6.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-16.htm">Price</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">Rare</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-11.htm">Rubies</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-11.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-16.htm">Store</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-23.htm">Substance</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Vessel</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Corals</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Costly</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Gold</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/songs/4-9.htm">Jewel</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Jewels</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-6.htm">Multitude</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Precious</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm">Price</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Rare</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-10.htm">Rubies</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-28.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-8.htm">Stones</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Store</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-4.htm">Substance</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-4.htm">Vessel</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proper Living</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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>There is an abundance of gold and rubies</b><br>Gold and rubies were highly valued in ancient times, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Gold, often associated with kings and the divine, was used in the construction of the Temple (<a href="/1_kings/6-20.htm">1 Kings 6:20-22</a>) and in the making of sacred objects. Rubies, though less frequently mentioned, were considered precious stones, often included in lists of valuable items (<a href="/job/28-18.htm">Job 28:18</a>). The abundance of these materials suggests the material wealth that was accessible in the ancient Near East, particularly in regions like Ophir, known for its gold (<a href="/1_kings/10-11.htm">1 Kings 10:11</a>). This phrase sets the stage for a comparison between material wealth and something of even greater value.<p><b>but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure</b><br>In contrast to the abundance of gold and rubies, the "lips of knowledge" are described as rare. This highlights the biblical theme that wisdom and understanding are more valuable than material wealth (<a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-15</a>). Knowledge here refers to a deep, God-given understanding and insight, often associated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The rarity of such knowledge underscores the idea that true wisdom is not easily found and must be diligently sought (<a href="/proverbs/2-4.htm">Proverbs 2:4-5</a>). This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the value of spiritual over material wealth (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>). The "lips of knowledge" can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the embodiment of divine wisdom and knowledge (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, and he is credited with compiling many of the wise sayings found in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was highly valued. The society placed a strong emphasis on moral and ethical living according to God's laws.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_literature.htm">Wisdom Literature</a></b><br>Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes books like Job and Ecclesiastes. These writings focus on practical living and the pursuit of wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_wisdom_over_wealth.htm">The Value of Wisdom Over Wealth</a></b><br>While material wealth like gold and rubies is often sought after, the Bible teaches that wisdom and knowledge are far more valuable. True wisdom leads to a life that honors God and benefits others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_rarity_of_knowledgeable_speech.htm">The Rarity of Knowledgeable Speech</a></b><br>In a world filled with many voices and opinions, speech that is grounded in true knowledge and wisdom is rare and precious. As believers, we should strive to cultivate and share this kind of speech.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_godly_wisdom.htm">Pursuing Godly Wisdom</a></b><br>The pursuit of wisdom should be a priority in the life of a Christian. This involves studying God's Word, seeking counsel from wise believers, and praying for discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/impact_of_wise_words.htm">Impact of Wise Words</a></b><br>Words of knowledge can have a profound impact on those around us. They can guide, encourage, and bring healing. We should be mindful of the power of our words and use them to build up others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</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/who_was_cleopatra.htm">Is God greater than our hearts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_this_have_to_do_with_me.htm">What does this have to do with me?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">Rubies.--</span>See above on <a href="/proverbs/3-15.htm" title="She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her.">Proverbs 3:15</a>.<p><span class= "bld">Lips of knowledge.</span>--See above on <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm" title="The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.">Proverbs 18:4</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">There is gold, and a multitude of rubies.</span> For <span class="accented">peninim</span>, which is rendered "rubies," "pearls," or "coral," see on Proverbs 3:15. There is gold which is precious, and there is abundance of pearls which are still more valuable. But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel, and worth more than all. We had the expression, "lips of knowledge," in <a href="/proverbs/14-7.htm">Proverbs 14:7</a>; it means lips that utter wisdom. <span class="accented">Keli</span>, often translated "jewel" in the Authorized Version, also boars the meaning of "vessel," "utensil." So here the Vulgate, <span class="accented">vas pretiosum</span>; and the wise man's lips are called a vessel because they contain and distribute the wisdom that is within. (On the excellence and value of wisdom, see ch. Proverbs 3:14, etc; Proverbs 8:11, etc.) Connecting this with the preceding verse, we are led to the thought of buying, and the Lord's parable of the merchant seeking goodly pearls, and bartering all his wealth to gain possession of a worthy jewel (<a href="/matthew/13-45.htm">Matthew 13:45</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/20-15.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">There is</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(yêš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> </span><span class="str2">Being, substance, existence, is</span><br /><br /><span class="word">gold</span><br /><span class="heb">זָ֭הָב</span> <span class="translit">(zā·hāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2091.htm">Strong's 2091: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and abundance</span><br /><span class="heb">וְרָב־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·rāḇ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7230.htm">Strong's 7230: </a> </span><span class="str2">Multitude, abundance, greatness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of rubies,</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנִינִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nî·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">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">but lips</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂפְתֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(śip̄·ṯê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of knowledge</span><br /><span class="heb">דָֽעַת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are a rare</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֝קָ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(yə·qār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> </span><span class="str2">Value, wealth, costliness, dignity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">treasure.</span><br /><span class="heb">וּכְלִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḵə·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3627.htm">Strong's 3627: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something prepared, any apparatus</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/20-15.htm">Proverbs 20:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/20-15.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies (Prov. 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