Proverbs 8:11 Commentary and Bible Study

‘For wisdom is better than rubies’, which were even rarer than gold, although we don't actually know for sure what they are, whether they are pearls, corals, or rubies - the translators are always quibbling about it. One or two of the modem translations shirk the issue by calling them jewels. Whether they are rubies or whether they are pearls, they are intended to depict the beauty and the pleasure that comes from such things. Silver is craftsmanship, gold is just wealth and security, and rubies or pearls are beauty and pleasure. But wisdom is the greatest beauty. For those who have had life from God poured into their souls through conversion, for those who understand and value the Scriptures there is nothing to touch them, nothing so deep, so rewarding, so pleasurable, so exciting, so informative. Here is understanding of God. Here is understanding of human nature. Here is unfolding of the way of salvation. Here are the plans and the purposes of God which allow us to make sense of history, and what he will do in the future. All the things that the human heart can find desirable are not to be compared to spiritual insight and the word of God and all the pleasure that comes from this.‘All the things that may be desired are not to be compared to’ wisdom. Calvary wisdom: there is nothing like it. It saves the soul, brings us to trust in the atoning death of Christ and his wonderful righteousness, and Christ himself, who is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.