The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom literature that was written to instruct God’s people in the ways of righteousness and provide insight into human nature. “She” in this case refers to wisdom.
Wisdom is needed to make good decisions in life and this verse reminds us that wisdom comes from God and it is His desire for us to live wise and purposeful lives.
Proverbs 3:15 was written to emphasize that wisdom is invaluable. It is more precious than physical wealth, and whatever it may be that you desire, it cannot be compared to wisdom. This is a timeless principle that applies to all of us, regardless of our age or stage in life.
We are to be careful with our words and actions because they have the power to either bless or harm others. This goes for the wisdom we accumulate, as well as the wisdom we share.
More Precious than Rubies
We must always remind ourselves that spiritual blessings and things of spiritual nature in general, will always be more valuable than material objects, particularly those of wealth.
Wisdom is more valuable than material wealth for several reasons:
First, wisdom can never be taken away from you, whereas material possessions can be lost or stolen.
Second, wisdom provides lasting happiness, whereas material wealth often leads to temporary satisfaction that quickly fades.
Third, wisdom helps you make better decisions in all areas of life, whereas material wealth can corrupt.
Finally, wisdom is something that you can share with others and that will make the world a better place, whereas material wealth often leads to greed and selfishness.
Interpretation
Proverbs 3:15 is part of a larger passage that speaks about the importance of wisdom. This analogy emphasizes just how invaluable wisdom is. It is something to be cherished and pursued, as it is far more valuable than anything else we could desire.
This verse reminds us that wisdom should be one of our highest priorities and that we should pursue it above all else.
While material wealth can give you a comfortable life, it cannot give you the knowledge and understanding that you need to truly thrive in this world. Wisdom, on the other hand, can help you to navigate life’s challenges, make better decisions, and find true happiness. It is the one thing that money cannot buy, and it is the one thing that will always be worth more than any amount of material wealth.
When we equip ourselves with spiritual wisdom, we allow ourselves to be faithful followers of God and take His light into the world.
Context
The book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings that were written to help people live successful and satisfying lives. Many of the proverbs offer general advice, such as:
“Do not be a borrower, for borrowers are slaves to the lenders”
“Those who are Patient have great understanding”
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.
Proverbs 22:7, NIV
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Proverbs 14:29, NIV
Other proverbs offer more specific guidance, such as:
Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
Proverbs 14:31, NIV
Do not envy the wicked, do not desire their company;
Proverbs 24:1, NIV
This verse is urging the reader to pursue wisdom because it will lead to a life of blessing and prosperity. This is in contrast to a life lived without wisdom, which will be full of trouble and sorrow. To make his point, the author gives several examples of how wisdom can help us in different areas of life.
Correlation
Wisdom can help us to make good decisions, to avoid danger, and to find favor with God. Ultimately, the verse’s goal is to convince the reader that wisdom is worth pursuing because it will lead to a life of happiness and blessing.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13, ESV
This correlates with the Bible simply: The entire Bible is full of stories, lessons and messages that extoll the importance of wisdom and its application to the world. We draw wisdom from every verse and every word of the bible. This wisdom allows us to approach the world as God-fearing Christians, where we can bring His light into the world and share it with those around us.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:5, NIV
Application
Wisdom is more valuable than anything else we could ever hope for, and yet, we so often allow fear to keep us from pursuing wisdom. We might be afraid of making mistakes or looking foolish, but the truth is that wisdom comes from taking risks.
Anytime you’re feeling uncertain, step out in faith, knowing that God will give you the wisdom you need to succeed; and if you often look to your bible, He may have already equipped you with said wisdom.
In times of need, pray and reference the Bible, consider what the text tells you about your situation or how to handle the unknown. Consider the often-used phrase, “What would Jesus do?” You may not always have an immediate answer, but part of having wisdom is the knowledge that you can often take a moment to reflect on your situation.
Spiritual wisdom is about knowing God and His ways. The more we know about Him, and the more we can be like Him, the wiser we will become.
We can apply this verse to our lives by always being open to learning new things, and by seeking out wise counsel in the Bible and amongst our fellow Christians. When we surround ourselves with wise people, their wisdom rubs off on us and we become wiser as well.
Desire compares poorly between material items and the wealth of the physical world against the spiritual wisdom of God and the Bible.
No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies.
