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Rubies

Concise Bible Dictionary:

To what precious stone this word refers is not definitely known. It is mentioned as a symbol of preciousness: as “the price of wisdom is above rubies”; the value of a virtuous woman is far above rubies (Job 28:18¹⁸No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. (Job 28:18); Prov. 3:15¹⁵She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. (Proverbs 3:15); Prov. 8:11¹¹For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. (Proverbs 8:11); Prov. 20:15¹⁵There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. (Proverbs 20:15); Prov. 31:10¹⁰Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. (Proverbs 31:10)). In Lamentations 4:7⁷Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: (Lamentations 4:7), where the Nazarites are said to be “more ruddy in body than rubies,” some translate “corals,” though the Hebrew is the same. Bochart judges “pearls” to be intended.