Proverbs 20:15
Proverbs 20:15 in Multiple Translations
There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure.
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
There is gold, and abundance of rubies; But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
There is gold and a store of corals: but the lips of knowledge are a jewel of great price.
There's gold and plenty of expensive gemstones, but talking sense is a more valuable jewel.
There is golde, and a multitude of precious stones: but the lips of knowledge are a precious iewel.
Substance, gold, and a multitude of rubies, Yea, a precious vessel, [are] lips of knowledge.
There is gold and abundance of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
There is gold, and a multitude of jewels: but the lips of knowledge are a precious vessel.
Gold and precious stones are valuable, but wise words [MTY] are more valuable.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 20:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 20:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֣שׁ
זָ֭הָב
וְ/רָב
פְּנִינִ֑ים
וּ/כְלִ֥י
יְ֝קָ֗ר
שִׂפְתֵי
דָֽעַת
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
there
Part
זָ֭הָב
zâhâb
H2091
gold
N-ms
וְ/רָב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Conj | N-cs
פְּנִינִ֑ים
pânîyn
H6443
jewel
N-cp
וּ/כְלִ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Conj | N-ms
יְ֝קָ֗ר
yᵉqâr
H3366
preciousness
N-ms
שִׂפְתֵי
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 20:15
יֵ֣שׁ
yêsh
H3426
"there"
Part
This Hebrew word means 'there is' or 'there are', used to show existence or being. It appears in various forms, like 'to be' or 'to have'. In the Bible, it's used in Genesis and Psalms to describe God's presence.
Definition: 1) being, existence, substance, there is or are 1a) substance 1b) existence 1c) there is or are Aramaic equivalent: i.tay (אִיתַי "there is" H0383)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: (there) are, (he, it, shall, there, there may, there shall, there should) be, thou do, had, hast, (which) hath, (I, shalt, that) have, (he, it, there) is, substance, it (there) was, (there) were, ye will, thou wilt, wouldest. See also: Genesis 18:24; Nehemiah 5:2; Psalms 7:4.
זָ֭הָב
zâhâb
H2091
"gold"
N-ms
Gold is a valuable metal, also used to describe something yellow or brilliant, like oil or a clear sky. It is often mentioned in the Bible as a precious resource.
Definition: 1) gold 1a) as precious metal 1b) as a measure of weight 1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
Usage: Occurs in 336 OT verses. KJV: gold(-en), fair weather. See also: Genesis 2:11; Numbers 7:26; 1 Chronicles 28:17.
וְ/רָב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Conj | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
פְּנִינִ֑ים
pânîyn
H6443
"jewel"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a precious stone, possibly a pearl or ruby, valued for its beauty. It is mentioned in Job 28:18, describing something very valuable.
Definition: 1) a precious stone 1a) perhaps corals, rubies, jewels
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: ruby. See also: Job 28:18; Proverbs 20:15; Proverbs 3:15.
וּ/כְלִ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Conj | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
יְ֝קָ֗ר
yᵉqâr
H3366
"preciousness"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to the state of being precious or valuable, and can also mean wealth or dignity. It is used in the Bible to describe something of great worth or honor.
Definition: 1) price, value, preciousness, honour, splendour, pomp 1a) preciousness 1b) price 1c) honour, esteem Aramaic equivalent: ye.qar (יְקָר "honor" H3367)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: honour, precious (things), price. See also: Esther 1:4; Esther 8:16; Psalms 49:13.
שִׂפְתֵי
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
דָֽעַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 20:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 20:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:15
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
- Sermons on Proverbs 20:15
Context — Wine Is a Mocker
13Do not love sleep, or you will grow poor; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of food.
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. 17Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:11 | For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:12 | Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:24 | Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. |
| 4 | Romans 10:14–15 | How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 12:9–11 | Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the anthologies of the masters are like firmly embedded nails driven by a single Shepherd. |
| 6 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 7 | Proverbs 3:15 | She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 8 | Proverbs 15:7 | The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools. |
| 9 | Proverbs 10:20–21 | The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked has little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 10 | Ephesians 4:29 | Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. |
Proverbs 20:15 Summary
Proverbs 20:15 teaches us that having knowledge and wisdom is more valuable than having a lot of money or possessions, as it says lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. This means that it's more important to seek wisdom and understanding than to accumulate wealth, as seen in Proverbs 4:7. We can do this by reading God's word, the Bible, and by asking Him for wisdom, as seen in James 1:5. By seeking knowledge and wisdom, we can build a strong foundation for our lives and make good decisions, and as stated in Matthew 6:19-20, we can store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Proverbs 20:15?
The main idea of Proverbs 20:15 is that knowledge and wisdom are more valuable than material wealth, as stated in the verse, which says lips of knowledge are a rare treasure, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom as stated in Proverbs 4:7.
Why are lips of knowledge considered a rare treasure?
Lips of knowledge are considered a rare treasure because true wisdom and understanding are not common, as seen in Proverbs 20:15, and are often more difficult to obtain than material wealth, as stated in James 1:5 where it says if any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.
How does this verse relate to other Bible teachings on wealth and materialism?
This verse relates to other Bible teachings on wealth and materialism, such as in 1 Timothy 6:10, which says the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in Matthew 6:19-20, which teaches us to store up treasures in heaven, not on earth.
What role does humility play in acquiring lips of knowledge?
Humility plays a significant role in acquiring lips of knowledge, as seen in Proverbs 11:2, which says with humility comes wisdom, and in Psalm 25:9, which says He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prioritize seeking knowledge and wisdom in my daily life, and how can I make sure I am storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth?
- How do I balance the desire for material wealth with the pursuit of spiritual wealth, and what are some biblical principles that can guide me in this?
- What are some common obstacles that can hinder my pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, and how can I overcome them, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:14-15?
- In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and a willingness to learn, as seen in Proverbs 1:7?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies,.... A man may have a large quantity of either, or of both of thorn, as some men have; for there is much of them in the world, not only in mines and quarries,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
There is gold, to wit, in the world, in divers men’ s hands, by whom it is highly prized. But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel; but wise speeches proceeding from an understanding or honest heart are of far greater worth and use, both to him that uttereth them, and to those that receive and improve them to their own benefit.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel.Ver. 15. There is gold and a multitude of rubies.] Quintilian defines an orator, Vir bonus dicendi peritus: A good man, that can deliver himself in good language. Such a master of speech was St Paul, who was therefore by those heathen Lystrians called Mercury, because he was the chief speaker. Such afore him was the prophet Isaiah, and our Saviour Christ, who "spake as never man spoke," his enemies themselves being judges. Such after him was Chrysostom, Basil, Nazianzen, famous for their holy eloquence. So were Mr Rogers and Mr Bradford, martyrs; in whom it was hard to say whether there were more force of eloquence and utterance in preaching, or more holiness of life and conversation, saith Mr Foxe. Now if Darius, could say that he preferred one Zopyrus before ten Babylons: and if, when one desired to see Alexander’ s treasures and his jewels, he bade his servants show him not αργυριουταλαντα, but τουςφιλους, not his talents of silver, and such other precious things, but his friends; what an invaluable price think we doth the King of heaven set upon such learned scribes, as do out of the good treasure of their hearts throw forth good things for the use of many! ηγουμενοςτουλογου. Acts and Mon., fol. 1782. Justin., lib i. Liban., Exemplar.
Progym. Chri., i.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
(15) Rubies.—See above on Proverbs 3:15. Lips of knowledge.—See above on Proverbs 18:4.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
Verse 15. There is gold] Gold is valuable, silver is valuable, and so are jewels; but the teachings of sound knowledge are more valuable than all.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 20:15
15. rubies] The R.V. retains this word, but refers to Job 28:18, where it gives in the margin, or, red coral, or, pearls. See Proverbs 3:15, note.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 20:15
A precious jewel - literally, “A vessel of preciousness,” i. e., most precious of all are “the lips of knowledge.”
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 20:15
15. Rubies — By some rendered pearls, but later critics prefer red corals. Precious jewel — A precious vessel, vase, or instrument. The word ëìé, (keli,) is of large use in the Hebrew.
Sermons on Proverbs 20:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Lips of Knowledge Are a Precious Jewel by John Piper | John Piper reflects on the value of knowledge as highlighted in Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding over material riches. He delves into the si |
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Pt 7 the Pearl of Great Price by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of being hurt by someone's negative comment about the church attendance. He contrasts the reactions of two individuals, one |
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Jane Lead's Journal Entries: 1670-1675 by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the journey of seeking divine wisdom and revelations, symbolized by passing through three gates of difficulty and progression, leading to a place of infini |
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The Lord's Return by Charles Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a substitute teacher who asked a question about the walls of Jericho and a student confidently volunteered to knock them down. The |
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Gv on Proverbs by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker warns against the dangers of pride and emphasizes the importance of taking spiritual inventory. He encourages the audience to memorize scripture and use |
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Seeking the Good of His People, and Speaking by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking the good of others and speaking peace into their lives. He encourages adopting a mindset of self-sacrifice and thoughtfulness, sugge |
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The Matter of Conversation. by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of our speech, urging that every word should be gracious and beneficial, as our manner of speaking can greatly influence how our message is |