What does Proverbs 3:15 teach about the value of wisdom over wealth?

Proverbs 3:15: “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.”

Wisdom, personified as “she,” is declared more valuable than the finest material wealth. Rubies were among the most treasured gems of Solomon’s day; by choosing them as the comparison point, Scripture drives home that even the costliest possessions cannot rival wisdom’s worth.

Why wisdom outranks wealth

– Wealth is fleeting (1 Timothy 6:17); wisdom endures forever (Proverbs 8:18).

– Wealth cannot redeem a soul (Psalm 49:6-9); wisdom “leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

– Wealth can entangle the heart (Mark 10:23-25); wisdom “guards the paths of justice” (Proverbs 2:8).

– Wealth offers temporary comfort; wisdom “is a tree of life to those who embrace her” (Proverbs 3:18).

– Wealth may corrupt character; wisdom produces “pure, peace-loving, gentle” fruit (James 3:17).

Further affirmations of wisdom’s supremacy

Job 28:18—“The price of wisdom is above rubies.”

Proverbs 8:11—“Wisdom is better than jewels.”

Proverbs 16:16—“How much better to get wisdom than gold.”

Matthew 6:19-20—Store treasures in heaven, not on earth.

James 1:5—God freely gives wisdom, something money can’t buy.

Takeaway: Scripture treats wisdom not as one asset among many but as the treasure without peer; pursuing it is the smartest, richest investment any believer can make.