Which Bible verse says 'She is more precious than rubies'?

The Bible verse that says, "She is more precious than rubies" can be found in the book of Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 3:15. This verse is part of a larger context that extols the virtues and value of wisdom. To truly understand and appreciate the depth of this verse, it is important to explore the surrounding passages and the broader context of the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 3:13-18 (NIV) states:

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

In these verses, wisdom is personified as a woman, a common literary device in the book of Proverbs. This personification helps to make the abstract concept of wisdom more relatable and tangible. By describing wisdom as "more precious than rubies," the author emphasizes the immense value of wisdom, exceeding even the most valuable earthly treasures.

The book of Proverbs is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, which also includes Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. Proverbs is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who is renowned for his wisdom. According to 1 Kings 4:29-34, Solomon's wisdom was a divine gift from God, and he composed many proverbs and songs.

The value of wisdom is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs. In Proverbs 1:7, we read, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This verse sets the tone for the entire book, highlighting the importance of reverence for God as the foundation for true wisdom. Wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge or cleverness; it is a deep, spiritual understanding rooted in a relationship with God.

Proverbs 4:7 further underscores the importance of wisdom: "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." Here, we see that acquiring wisdom is of paramount importance, even if it requires great sacrifice. This verse echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 3:15, reinforcing the idea that wisdom is invaluable and worth pursuing above all else.

The personification of wisdom as a woman continues in Proverbs 8, where wisdom speaks directly to the reader. Proverbs 8:10-11 says, "Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her." This passage reiterates the message of Proverbs 3:15, emphasizing the incomparable value of wisdom.

In Proverbs 8:22-31, wisdom is described as being present with God during the creation of the world:

The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old; I was formed long ages ago, at the very beginning, when the world came to be. When there were no watery depths, I was given birth, when there were no springs overflowing with water; before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth, before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth. I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep, when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep, when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth. Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

This passage highlights the eternal and divine nature of wisdom. It is not a human invention but a fundamental aspect of God's creation. Wisdom was present with God from the very beginning, playing a crucial role in the formation of the universe. This divine origin further underscores the value and importance of wisdom.

The New Testament also echoes the themes of wisdom found in Proverbs. In James 1:5, we read, "If any of you lacks