She is more precious than rubies;
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 Job 28:18, 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.

nothing you desire compares with her.
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 (Matthew 13:44). 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.

1. Solomon
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.

2. Wisdom (Personified as a Woman)
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.

3. Ancient Israel
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.The Incomparable Value of Wisdom
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.

Desire for Wisdom Over Worldly Desires
The verse challenges us to evaluate our desires. Are we seeking wisdom and understanding, or are we more focused on temporary, worldly gains?

Wisdom as a Guide for Life
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.

The Relational Aspect of Wisdom
By personifying wisdom as a woman, the scripture invites us to develop a relationship with wisdom, nurturing it as we would a valued companion.

Wisdom's Role in Spiritual Growth
Pursuing wisdom is integral to spiritual maturity. It deepens our understanding of God's character and His purposes for our lives.(15) Rubies.--The meaning of the Hebrew peninim 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.

Verse 15. - Rubies (Khetib, p'niyim; Keri, p'ninim). 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 Job 38:18, 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 p'ninim 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 Lamentations 4:7, 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 p'ninim was a descriptive word used to denote precious stones in general. The LXX. renders, "She is more precious than precious stones (λίθων πολυτελῶν)." So the Targum Jonathan, Syriac, and Arabic. The Vulgate renders. "She is more precious than all riches (cunctis opibus)." The word p'ninim only occurs here (Keri) and in Proverbs 8:11; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 31:10; and in Job and Lamentations as above. This passage, as well as Proverbs 8:11, which is an almost literal repetition of it, are imitations of Job 28:18. The identification of p'ninim with "pearls" may have suggested our Lord's parable of the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45, 46). All the things thou canst desire (kal-khaphatseyka); literally, all thy desires. Here everything in which you have pleasure, or all your precious things; LXX., πᾶν τίμον; Vulgate, omnia, quae desiderantur. 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 (shavah) 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 (1 Kings 3:11-13)! 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."

Parallel Commentaries ...


She
הִ֭יא (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

is more precious
יְקָ֣רָה (yə·qā·rāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3368: Precious, rare, splendid, weighty

than rubies;
מִפְּנִינִ֑ים (mip·pə·nî·nîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6443: A pearl

nothing
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

you desire
חֲ֝פָצֶ֗יךָ (ḥă·p̄ā·ṣe·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2656: Pleasure, desire, a valuable thing, a matter

compares
יִֽשְׁווּ־ (yiš·wū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7737: To level, equalize, to resemble, to adjust

with her.
בָֽהּ׃ (ḇāh)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies (Prov. Pro Pr)