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

As soon as we read this verse, my daughter cheered for her treasure room. She knew that this rare jewel was one she wanted! Gold and rubies are commonplace next to this jewel, especially in this time and place. Here was a Coin Proverb that didn’t contrast the plight of the wicked with the blessings of the righteous, but the form was used to display value.

When we thought of Jesus’ fulfillment, we recognized that the knowledge He came to give opened the door to our salvation, the rarest of jewels given to all who believe. Like the Pearl of Great Price in Matthew 13:45, it is worth more than all we have. Even as a child, it was written in the Gospel of Luke 2:52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Again, God’s favor was on Jesus and on Him was placed the burden of our sins, 1Peter 2:24, that He might open the Way for us to be free from its price.

Now normally I would finish here, but my time among the charismatics revealed another understanding of this verse in regards to ‘words of knowledge’, 1 Corinthians 12:8. My limited understanding of this is that the Holy Spirit gives us words to bless others and encourage their faith. May these words do the same.