Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. New Living Translation Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies. English Standard Version There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Berean Standard Bible There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. King James Bible There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. New King James Version There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. New American Standard Bible There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. NASB 1995 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. NASB 1977 There is gold, and an abundance of jewels; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious thing. Legacy Standard Bible There is gold, and an abundance of pearls; But the lips of knowledge are a more precious vessel. Amplified Bible There is gold, and an abundance of pearls, But the lips of knowledge are a vessel of preciousness [the most precious of all]. Christian Standard Bible There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure. Holman Christian Standard Bible There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure. American Standard Version There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Contemporary English Version Sensible words are better than gold or jewels. English Revised Version There is gold, and abundance of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. GOD'S WORD® Translation There are gold and plenty of jewels, but the lips of knowledge are precious gems. Good News Translation If you know what you are talking about, you have something more valuable than gold or jewels. International Standard Version There is an abundance of gold and precious stones, but lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. Majority Standard Bible There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. NET Bible There is gold, and an abundance of rubies, but words of knowledge are like a precious jewel. New Heart English Bible There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. Webster's Bible Translation There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. World English Bible There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionSubstance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, "" Indeed, a precious vessel, [are] lips of knowledge. Young's Literal Translation Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, Yea, a precious vessel, are lips of knowledge. Smith's Literal Translation There is gold and a multitude of pearls: and a precious vessel the lips of knowledge. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThere is gold, and a multitude of jewels: but the lips of knowledge are a precious vessel. Catholic Public Domain Version There is gold, and there are a multitude of jewels. But lips of knowledge are a precious vessel. New American Bible One can put on gold and abundant jewels, but wise lips are the most precious ornament. New Revised Standard Version There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAgain he says, Here is gold and a multitude of precious stones and precious vessels; but the lips of knowledge are precious jewels. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated But let him say, "Here is gold and a multitude of precious stones and valuable vessels, and the lips of knowledge.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917There is gold, and a multitude of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Wine is a Mocker…14“Worthless, worthless!” says the buyer, but on the way out, he gloats. 15There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. 16Take the garment of the one who posts security for a stranger; get collateral if it is for a foreigner.… Cross References Proverbs 3:13-15 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. Proverbs 8:10-11 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. Proverbs 16:16 How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. Job 28:12-19 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.’ ... 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. Colossians 2:2-3 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. James 3:13-18 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. ... Proverbs 2:1-6 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, ... Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. 1 Corinthians 1:24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Ephesians 1:17-18 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, Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. Proverbs 25:11-12 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. Isaiah 33:6 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. Treasury of Scripture There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. but Proverbs 3:15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverbs 10:20,21 The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth… Jump to Previous Abundance Corals Costly Gold Great Jewel Jewels Lips Multitude Precious Price Rare Rubies Speak Stones Store Substance VesselJump to Next Abundance Corals Costly Gold Great Jewel Jewels Lips Multitude Precious Price Rare Rubies Speak Stones Store Substance VesselProverbs 20 1. Proper LivingThere is an abundance of gold and rubies 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 (1 Kings 6:20-22) and in the making of sacred objects. Rubies, though less frequently mentioned, were considered precious stones, often included in lists of valuable items (Job 28:18). 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 (1 Kings 10:11). This phrase sets the stage for a comparison between material wealth and something of even greater value. but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally 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. 2. Ancient Israel 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. 3. Wisdom Literature 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. Teaching Points The Value of Wisdom Over WealthWhile 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. The Rarity of Knowledgeable Speech 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. Pursuing Godly Wisdom 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. Impact of Wise Words 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.(15) Rubies.--See above on Proverbs 3:15. Lips of knowledge.--See above on Proverbs 18:4. Verse 15. - There is gold, and a multitude of rubies. For peninim, 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 Proverbs 14:7; it means lips that utter wisdom. Keli, often translated "jewel" in the Authorized Version, also boars the meaning of "vessel," "utensil." So here the Vulgate, vas pretiosum; 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 (Matthew 13:45, etc.).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew There isיֵ֣שׁ (yêš) Adverb Strong's 3426: Being, substance, existence, is gold זָ֭הָב (zā·hāḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky and abundance וְרָב־ (wə·rāḇ-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness of rubies, פְּנִינִ֑ים (pə·nî·nîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 6443: A pearl but lips שִׂפְתֵי־ (śip̄·ṯê-) Noun - fdc Strong's 8193: The lip, language, a margin of knowledge דָֽעַת׃ (ḏā·‘aṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1847: Knowledge are a rare יְ֝קָ֗ר (yə·qār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3366: Value, wealth, costliness, dignity treasure. וּכְלִ֥י (ū·ḵə·lî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus Links Proverbs 20:15 NIVProverbs 20:15 NLT Proverbs 20:15 ESV Proverbs 20:15 NASB Proverbs 20:15 KJV Proverbs 20:15 BibleApps.com Proverbs 20:15 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 20:15 Chinese Bible Proverbs 20:15 French Bible Proverbs 20:15 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 20:15 There is gold and abundance of rubies (Prov. Pro Pr) |
    |