Proverbs 8:11
Proverbs 8:11 in Multiple Translations
For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
For wisdom is better than rubies; And all the things that may be desired are not to be compared unto it.
For wisdom is better than jewels, and all things which may be desired are nothing in comparison with her.
For wisdom is more valuable than rubies; everything you could ever want just doesn't compare!
For wisdome is better then precious stones: and all pleasures are not to be compared vnto her.
For better [is] wisdom than rubies, Yea, all delights are not comparable with it.
For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
For wisdom is better than all the most precious things: and whatsoever may be desired cannot be compared to it.
because wisdom is more valuable than jewels. Nothing that you desire is as valuable as being wise.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 8:11
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 8:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
טוֹבָ֣ה
חָ֭כְמָה
מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים
וְ/כָל
חֲ֝פָצִ֗ים
לֹ֣א
יִֽשְׁווּ
בָֽ/הּ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
טוֹבָ֣ה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים
pânîyn
H6443
jewel
Prep | N-cp
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Conj | N-ms
חֲ֝פָצִ֗ים
chêphets
H2656
pleasure
N-mp
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִֽשְׁווּ
shâvâh
H7737
be like
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בָֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 8:11
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
טוֹבָ֣ה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
חָ֭כְמָה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
מִ/פְּנִינִ֑ים
pânîyn
H6443
"jewel"
Prep | 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.
וְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֲ֝פָצִ֗ים
chêphets
H2656
"pleasure"
N-mp
This word refers to pleasure or delight, often describing something that brings joy or happiness. In the Bible, it can also mean a valuable thing or a desire, like in Psalm 1.
Definition: 1) delight, pleasure 1a) delight 1b) desire, longing 1c) the good pleasure 1d) that in which one takes delight
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, delight(-some), desire, things desired, matter, pleasant(-ure), purpose, willingly. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Psalms 1:2.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִֽשְׁווּ
shâvâh
H7737
"be like"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to set or place something, and it is used to describe the act of leveling or equalizing something. It can also mean to adjust or compare things, and it is used in various contexts in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to agree with, be or become like, level, resemble 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be like 1a2) equivalent (participle) 1a3) to set, place 1a4) setting (participle) 1b) (Piel) to level, smooth, still 1c) (Hiphil) to make like 1d) (Nithpael) to be alike Aramaic equivalent: she.vah (שְׁוָה "be like" H7739A)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: avail, behave, bring forth, compare, countervail, (be, make) equal, lay, be (make, a-) like, make plain, profit, reckon. See also: 2 Samuel 22:34; Psalms 131:2; Psalms 16:8.
בָֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Proverbs 8:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 8:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
- Sermons on Proverbs 8:11
Context — The Excellence of Wisdom
9They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
10Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.
12I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 3:14–15 | for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. |
| 2 | Proverbs 4:5–7 | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
| 4 | Psalms 19:10 | They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. |
| 5 | Psalms 119:127 | Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold. |
| 6 | Job 28:15–19 | It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. Topaz from Cush cannot compare to it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. |
| 7 | Proverbs 20:15 | There is an abundance of gold and rubies, but lips of knowledge are a rare treasure. |
| 8 | Matthew 16:26 | What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? |
| 9 | Philippians 3:8–9 | More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. |
Proverbs 8:11 Summary
[This verse reminds us that wisdom is the most valuable thing we can have, even more precious than the most expensive treasures. It's saying that if we had to choose between being wise and having all the riches in the world, we should choose wisdom. As seen in Proverbs 3:13-15, wisdom brings many benefits and is a treasure that never fades. By prioritizing wisdom and spiritual growth, we can live a life that truly honors God and brings us fulfillment, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for wisdom to be more precious than rubies?
This means that wisdom has more value and importance than any material wealth or treasure, as stated in Proverbs 8:11, and is a theme also found in Psalms 119:72 and Proverbs 3:13-15.
How can we acquire this precious wisdom?
According to Proverbs 8:11 and Proverbs 9:10, we can acquire wisdom by fearing the Lord and receiving instruction, as also seen in Psalms 111:10 and Proverbs 1:7.
What is being compared to wisdom in this verse?
The verse states that nothing we desire compares with wisdom, emphasizing its supreme value and importance, a concept also found in Philippians 3:8 and Matthew 13:44-46.
Why is wisdom considered so valuable?
Wisdom is valuable because it brings discernment, prudence, and discretion, as seen in Proverbs 8:12, and helps us to fear the Lord and hate evil, as stated in Proverbs 8:13 and Proverbs 9:10.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us to prioritize wisdom and spiritual growth over material possessions and desires, as also taught in Matthew 6:19-21 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I prioritize material wealth or desires over spiritual growth and wisdom?
- How can I apply the principle of Proverbs 8:11 to my daily decisions and choices?
- What are some ways I can seek wisdom and instruction, as encouraged in Proverbs 8:10 and 8:11?
- How does the value of wisdom compare to the things I desire most in life?
- What would my life look like if I truly believed that wisdom is more precious than rubies?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom [is] better than rubies,.... A sort of precious stones: or, "than precious stones" (z) in general; so the Targum and Septuagint, Arabic and Syriac versions; even than all of them, as the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. For wisdom is better than rubies - (cf. notes, Proverbs 3:14-15.)
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.Ver. 11. For wisdom is better than rubies.]
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
(11) Rubies.—See above on Proverbs 3:15.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
Verse 11. Wisdom is better than rubies] See on Proverbs 3:15.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 8:11
11. rubies] See Proverbs 3:15, note. to it] Better, unto her, R.V.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 8:11
10, 11. Receive, etc. — Having recommended the character and quality of her instructions, she again urgently presses the acceptance of them. Instruction — Discipline, correction, precepts of restraint. See Proverbs 1:2, and note.
Sermons on Proverbs 8:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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Spiritual Fathers and Sons by Albert Zehr | Albert Zehr preaches about the importance of bridging the generational gap within families and the church to experience God's blessings. He emphasizes the cry for spiritual fathers |
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Listen to Wisdom by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of listening to the wisdom of God found in the Scriptures, highlighting the blessings that come to those who diligently seek and listen to wi |
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Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire |
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God's Truth About God's Word by Russell Kelfer | The sermon transcript emphasizes the importance of the Word of God in understanding the mind, emotions, and will of individuals. It highlights seven basic truths about the Scriptur |
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God's Marvelous Grace by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him, |