Proverbs 20:15

15 There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel.

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 else you will come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
14 "Bad, bad," says the buyer, then goes away and boasts.
15 There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who has given surety for a stranger; seize the pledge given as surety for foreigners.
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet, but afterward the mouth will be full of gravel.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.