Proverbs 3:15
Proverbs 3:15 in Multiple Translations
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
She is more precious than rubies: And none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her.
She is of more value than jewels, and nothing for which you may have a desire is fair in comparison with her.
She is more valuable than rubies—everything you could ever want just doesn't compare!
It is more precious then pearles: and all things that thou canst desire, are not to be compared vnto her.
Precious she [is] above rubies, And all thy pleasures are not comparable to her.
She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her.
She is more precious than all riches: and all the things that are desired, are not to be compared with her.
Being wise is more precious than ◄jewels/precious stones►; there is nothing that you could desire that would be as valuable as wisdom.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 3:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 3:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְקָ֣רָה
הִ֭יא
מ/פניים
מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים
וְ/כָל
חֲ֝פָצֶ֗י/ךָ
לֹ֣א
יִֽשְׁווּ
בָֽ/הּ
יְקָ֣רָה
yâqâr
H3368
precious
Adj
הִ֭יא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
מ/פניים
pânîyn
H6443
jewel
Prep | N-cp
מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים
pânîyn
H6443
jewel
Prep | N-cp
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
חֲ֝פָצֶ֗י/ךָ
chêphets
H2656
pleasure
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִֽשְׁווּ
shâvâh
H7737
be like
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 3:15
יְקָ֣רָה
yâqâr
H3368
"precious"
Adj
This Hebrew word means something or someone is valuable and precious, like costly jewels or highly valued people, as seen in descriptions of honorable women and precious stones in the Bible.
Definition: 1) valuable, prized, weighty, precious, rare, splendid 1a) precious 1a1) costly 1a2) precious, highly valued 1a3) precious stones or jewels 1b) rare 1c) glorious, splendid 1d) weighty, influential
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: brightness, clear, costly, excellent, fat, honourable women, precious, reputation. See also: 1 Samuel 3:1; Psalms 36:8; Psalms 37:20.
הִ֭יא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
מ/פניים
pânîyn
H6443
"jewel"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a precious stone, possibly a pearl or ruby, valued for its beauty. It is mentioned in Job 28:18, describing something very valuable.
Definition: 1) a precious stone 1a) perhaps corals, rubies, jewels
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: ruby. See also: Job 28:18; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 3:15.
מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים
pânîyn
H6443
"jewel"
Prep | N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a precious stone, possibly a pearl or ruby, valued for its beauty. It is mentioned in Job 28:18, describing something very valuable.
Definition: 1) a precious stone 1a) perhaps corals, rubies, jewels
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: ruby. See also: Job 28:18; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 3:15.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֲ֝פָצֶ֗י/ךָ
chêphets
H2656
"pleasure"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.
Definition: 1) delight, pleasure 1a) delight 1b) desire, longing 1c) the good pleasure 1d) that in which one takes delight
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalms 1:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִֽשְׁווּ
shâvâh
H7737
"be like"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to set or place something, and it is used to describe the act of leveling or equalizing something. It can also mean to adjust or compare things, and it is used in various contexts in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to agree with, be or become like, level, resemble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be like 1a2) equivalent (participle) 1a3) to set, place 1a4) setting (participle) 1b) (Piel) to level, smooth, still 1c) (Hiphil) to make like 1d) (Nithpael) to be alike Aramaic equivalent: she.vah (שְׁוָה "be like" H7739A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: avail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon. See also: 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalms 131:2; Psalms 16:8.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 3:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 3:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 3:15
Context — The Blessings of Wisdom
13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,
14for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.
16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:11 | For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 2 | Job 28:18 | Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. |
| 3 | Psalms 73:25–26 | Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
| 4 | Romans 8:18 | I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us. |
| 5 | Proverbs 31:10 | A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. |
| 6 | Psalms 63:3 | Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:15 | There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. |
| 8 | Matthew 13:44–46 | 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. |
Proverbs 3:15 Summary
This verse, Proverbs 3:15, tells us that wisdom is incredibly valuable, even more precious than the most expensive gems like rubies. It means that having wisdom is better than having all the riches in the world, as also seen in Psalms 19:10. When we seek wisdom, we are seeking something that will truly fulfill us and bring us joy, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. By prioritizing wisdom, we can make better decisions and live a life that honors God, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6, and find true peace and happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that wisdom is more precious than rubies?
This means that wisdom has more value and worth than any earthly treasure, as seen in Proverbs 3:15, and is a theme echoed in Psalms 119:72 where it says the law of God's mouth is more valuable than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
How can I apply the idea that nothing I desire compares with wisdom?
To apply this, prioritize seeking God's wisdom in your life, as encouraged in James 1:5, and recognize that true fulfillment and joy come from following His ways, not worldly desires, as seen in Matthew 6:33.
Is this verse saying that material possessions are bad?
No, this verse is not condemning material possessions, but rather emphasizing that wisdom is of greater value, as also seen in Proverbs 8:10-11 where wisdom is compared to silver and gold but deemed more valuable.
How does this verse relate to my daily life?
This verse reminds us to prioritize wisdom and understanding in our daily decisions and actions, trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance, as taught in Proverbs 3:5-6, and seeking His wisdom in all aspects of life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can seek wisdom in my daily life, and how can I apply the principles found in Proverbs 3:15?
- How do my desires and priorities align with the values presented in this verse, and what changes can I make to seek wisdom above all else?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, to make wise decisions and prioritize His wisdom?
- How can I reflect on my past experiences and decisions to see where prioritizing wisdom would have led to better outcomes, and what can I learn from those experiences to apply to my future?
- What role does humility play in seeking and applying wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 11:2, and how can I cultivate humility in my pursuit of wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 3:15
She [is] more precious than rubies,.... Or "pearls" (u), as some; which were formerly esteemed above all precious stones; the eastern were the more valuable (w), which Solomon had most knowledge of;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 3:15
She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
For true worth and usefulness.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
Proverbs 3:15 She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.Ver. 15. She is more precious than rubies.] Or, Pearls, which of old were most highly esteemed, as Pliny testifieth; nostra etate multis aliis gemmis post ponunter. Today, there are many other gems of greater price, as rubies, carbuncles, &c. Cardan tells us that every precious stone hath an egregious virtue in it; every spiritual grace hath, we are sure, and is of more value than large domains, stately buildings, and ten thousand rivers of oil. If the mountains were pearl, the huge rocks rubies, and the whole globe a shining chrysolite, yet all this were not to be named in the same day with wisdom. Principium culmenque omnium rerum precii marga ritae tenent. - Plin. Gener. Hist. de Aquat., lib. iv. Card., Subt., lib. vii.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
(15) Rubies.—The meaning of the Hebrew penînîm is doubtful. Lamentations 4:7 shows the colour to have been red; “coral” is a probable rendering; that of “pearls” is unlikely. For the thought, comp. Job 28:15-19.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
Verse 15. She is more precious than rubies] מפנינים mippeninim. The word principally means pearls, but may be taken for precious stones in general. The root is פנה panah, he looked, beheld; and as it gives the idea of the eye always being turned towards the observer, Mr. Parkhurst thinks that it means the loadstone; See Clarke on Job 28:18, where this subject is considered at large. If the oriental ruby, or any other precious stone, be intended here, the word may refer to their being cut and polished, so that they present different faces, and reflect the light to you in whatever direction you may look at them. All the things thou canst desire] Superior to every thing that can be an object of desire here below. But who believes this?
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 3:15
15. rubies] This rendering is retained in R.V. text, with a reference to Job 28:18, where the alternative is given in the marg. of red coral, or pearls. The expression “more ruddy” (which those, however, who render “pearls,” take to mean “more bright”), Lamentations 4:7, would seem to confine our choice to rubies or red coral. The word occurs frequently in this Book (Proverbs 8:11, Proverbs 20:15, Proverbs 31:10). The LXX. evade the difficulty with λίθωνπολυτελῶν, precious stones, and the Vulg. follows suit with cunctis opibus. See note in this Series on Lamentations 4:7, and Smith’s Dict. of Bible, Art. Rubies. all the things … are not] This is the Hebrew way of saying, none of the things … are; and so it is rendered in R.V. Another example occurs in Psalms 25:3, where the P.B.V. preserves the Heb. idiom, and A.V. and R.V. give the corresponding English form of expression.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 3:15
Rubies - The פנינים pânı̂ynı̂ym were among the costly articles of traffic, and red or rose-colored Lamentations 4:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 3:15
15. Rubies — Original word uncertain; pearls, red corals, or some kind of precious stones. Some think the magnet or loadstone intended.
Sermons on Proverbs 3:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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From Footlights to Fame by Billy Strachan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being a part of the Hollywood Christian group and having access to Paramount Warner Brothers studio for three years. H |
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Pt 7 the Pearl of Great Price by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hurt by someone's negative comment about the church attendance. He contrasts the reactions of two individuals, one |
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Jane Lead's Journal Entries: 1670-1675 by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the journey of seeking divine wisdom and revelations, symbolized by passing through three gates of difficulty and progression, leading to a place of infini |
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The Happiness of Drawing Near to God by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the importance and benefits of drawing near to God, emphasizing that it is good for believers to seek closeness with Him. He delves into the nature of our |
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Life Changing Message!!@! - His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | This sermon emphasizes the radical commitment to following Jesus, illustrated through personal stories of persecution, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. It highlights the importance |
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Watchman Nee - a Modern Day Vessel (Testimony by Stephen Kaung) by Watchman Nee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of breaking bread together as a way to remember the Lord. He shares the story of Lee Lung and his wife, who started breaking br |
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The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 1 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their personal journey of seeking salvation and experiencing conviction of their sinfulness. They describe moments of feeling the gate |