What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:15? There is an abundance - Solomon begins by noting sheer plenty: “There is an abundance...” (Proverbs 20:15). - Material wealth is truly widespread. The earth teems with resources (Genesis 2:12). Nations stockpile riches (1 Kings 10:21, 27). - Scripture never pretends prosperity is scarce; rather, it warns that plenty can dull dependence on the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:10-14; Luke 12:16-21). - The statement is factual and literal: abundance exists, yet its presence alone does not equal true security (Proverbs 11:28). Of gold and rubies - Gold represents the highest monetary value of Solomon’s day; rubies (or other precious stones) picture beauty and rarity (Job 28:15-19). - God Himself created these treasures (Psalm 24:1), so they carry legitimate worth. - Still, Proverbs repeatedly ranks wisdom above both: • “Receive my instruction... better than silver, and knowledge than pure gold” (Proverbs 8:10-11). • “She is more precious than rubies” (Proverbs 3:15). - The verse therefore sets up a contrast the reader already expects: material splendor is impressive, yet something greater exists. But lips of knowledge - The pivot word “but” introduces what heaven calls superior (Isaiah 55:8-9). - “Lips of knowledge” describes speech: • informed by God’s truth (Proverbs 10:31; Colossians 3:16), • delivered with grace (Ephesians 4:29), • aimed at edifying listeners (Proverbs 15:7). - Such lips flow from a heart saturated with Scripture (Luke 6:45). - In a world loud with opinions, words anchored in divine wisdom shine (Philippians 2:15). Are a rare treasure - The value shift is dramatic: what the market calls rare (gold, rubies) is common, while God calls wise speech “a rare treasure.” - Rarity speaks of difficulty to find (Proverbs 31:10) and high cost (Matthew 13:44-46). - Treasure highlights lasting benefit. Unlike metals that can corrode or be seized (Matthew 6:19-20; James 5:2-3), words shaped by knowledge: • guide the simple (Proverbs 20:18), • preserve life (Proverbs 13:14), • glorify Christ (1 Peter 3:15). - Solomon’s point presses every believer: pursue tongues that teach truth more eagerly than accounts that hold wealth (1 Timothy 6:17-19). summary Proverbs 20:15 distinguishes two kinds of riches. Earth abounds in glittering valuables, yet God prizes something far scarcer—speech seasoned with His knowledge. Amass all the gold and rubies you can; without words rooted in Scripture, you still lack heaven’s definition of wealth. Seek the Lord, fill your heart with His Word, and let your lips dispense that rare treasure to a world drowning in mere abundance. |
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