What does it mean to be more precious than rubies (Proverbs 31:10)?

Answer

Two things in the Bible are considered more valuable than rubies: the virtue of wisdom “She is more precious than rubies: And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.”, (Proverbs 3:15) and a woman of noble character: “Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies” “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”, (Proverbs 31:10, NLT). A woman who is more esteemed than rubies possesses godly traits that are uncommon and valuable.

The book of Proverbs was written to instruct young men on how to acquire wisdom and cultivate moral character. It is filled with practical advice and moral guidelines for fostering integrity and making sound and advantageous choices in life. The query in Proverbs 31:10, “A wife of noble character who can find?” suggests that the reader should diligently search for such a wife for himself.

“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones,” cautions Proverbs 12:4. For his future happiness, success, and well-being, a young man should select his wife wisely and cautiously. Therefore, Proverbs 31 elaborates on the attributes of a wife who is more valuable than rubies—the type of woman the discerning young man should pursue.

The initial qualities highlighted are trustworthiness and dedication: “Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life” (Proverbs 31:11-12;NLT). A virtuous wife is an advantage to her husband, not a burden. She is supportive and encouraging, unlike the conflictsCome and nagging wife who is like the “constant dripping of a leaky roof” (Proverbs 19:13; see also Proverbs 21:9,19).

A worthy woman is diligent and hard-working: “She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar” (Proverbs 31:13-14; NLT). She carefully manages her household: “She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls” «She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth meat to her household, And a portion to her maidens. », (Proverbs 31:15, NLT). Like the wise woman of Proverbs 14:1, she works hard to build up her home. She’s not like the foolish one who tears it down with her own hands.

A woman who is more precious than rubies is also intelligent and capable: “She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard” «She considereth a field, and buyeth it: With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. », (Proverbs 31:16). She is strong and energetic, with a healthy work ethic «She girdeth her loins with strength, And strengtheneth her arms. », (Proverbs 31:17). She has good business sense, her “trading is profitable,” and she increases her family’s wealth (Proverbs 31:17-18, 24). The description that “her lamp does not go out at night” in verse 18 implies that she has the foresight to plan for the future. In the parable of the ten virgins, the five whose lamps did not go out had thought ahead to buy oil.l and were commended for their wisdom and careful planning (Matthew 25:1-13).

A woman who is more valuable than precious stones is generous and kind: “She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy” «She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. », (Proverbs 31:20). She spares no effort to safeguard her family (verses 21–22). “Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land,” says verse 23. A virtuous woman brings honor and respect to her husband and family. Verses 25–26 praise her grace, wisdom, kindness, and strength of character. Her family members, who are the focus of her devotion, admire and express their love for her with blessings and praise (verses 27–28).

The chapter concludes with the writer acknowledging the importance of such a woman: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all” «Many daughters have done virtuously, But thou excellest them all. », (Proverbs 31:29). While she may possess physical beauty and charm, her greatest achievement is her reverence for the Lord (verse 30). Such a woman is more valuable than precious stones because of her godly character—a rare and priceless gem.

Ruth is an outstanding example of a woman in the Bible who is more valuable than precious stones. Boaz described her as a virtuous woman «And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. », (Ruth 3:11). She was devoted and loyal; she worked diligently and took the initiative; and, like the Proverbs 31 woman, she was honored in the gates (Ruth 2:2; Ruth 4:11; cf: Proverbs 31:31).