Proverbs 20:15

15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Proverbs 20:15 in Other Translations

KJV
15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
ESV
15 There is gold and abundance of costly stones, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
NLT
15 Wise words are more valuable than much gold and many rubies.
MSG
15 Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge is better than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems.
CSB
15 There is gold and a multitude of jewels, but knowledgeable lips are a rare treasure.

Proverbs 20:15 Meaning and Commentary

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, but in the houses and cabinets of men; but the lips of knowledge [are] a precious jewel;
knowledge even of things natural, and a gift of elocution to express it by, are a rare jewel, and much more precious than gold and rubies, than a multitude of them; these are not to be mentioned with it, it is not equalled by them, it is greatly superior to them; see ( Job 28:12-19 ) ; and much more spiritual knowledge, and a capacity of expressing that to the edification of others; and especially Christ, the Wisdom of God, and the knowledge of him, who is more precious than rubies, and all desirable things, in comparison of which all things are loss and dung, ( Proverbs 3:14 Proverbs 3:15 ) ( Philippians 3:8 ) .

Proverbs 20:15 In-Context

13 Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare.
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase.
15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
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