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This jewel is called a sardius in two places in the Bible. The name comes from the Latin "Ruber," which means red, and this name is given to the ruby because of its colour. It is sometimes called a carbuncle. We may regard the ruby as representing love or charity. What is there about the ruby on account of which love or charity may be compared to it? What did people in olden times think the ruby could do?

I. CURE SORROW. It was thought that a ruby had the power of driving away sadness from their hearts, or of curing their sorrows. That was not true, but this is true — if we have this ruby, a heart of love to Jesus, it will help to cure our own sorrows, and help us to cure other people.

II. SHINE IN THE DARK. Stories used to be told of rubies and other jewels being employed, instead of lamps, in dark caverns, to give light, just as if they had power in themselves to shine like so many suns. But this was a mistake. It is only true of the Bible ruby. Real love to anybody, and especially the love of Jesus, will shine in the dark. And when we speak of love shining in the dark, we mean that it will give us help and comfort in trouble. It will make us able to do and suffer things that we never could do without it.

III. KEEP THEM FROM HARM. People used to carry a ruby about them as a sort of charm. It is only the Bible ruby that can keep from danger. Loving and trusting God will be a true charm. The ruby heart will keep us from getting hurt.

(R. Newton, D. D.)

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KJV: For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

WEB: For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.