Go! And Treasure True Beauty (Rubies) - Proverbs 3:15
Proverbs 3:15 (NLT): “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Introduction: The Search for True Value
Think about a jewel store. Rows of sparkling gems dazzle the eye — diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies. You might reach for the largest diamond or the shiniest sapphire, yet the Bible declares something even more precious: wisdom, the knowledge of God, and ultimately Christ Himself.
Rubies in Scripture are a picture of preciousness, rarity, and enduring worth. They remind us that true treasure is not material, but spiritual, eternal, and found in Christ.
Today’s message — “Go! And Treasure True Beauty” — calls us to seek, value, and reflect the ultimate jewel: Jesus Christ.
1. Rubies Represent the Treasure of Godly Wisdom
Proverbs 3:15 (NLT): “She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Here, “she” refers to wisdom, personified in Proverbs. The Hebrew word for “rubies” is piytsîl (?????????), representing a rare and radiant gemstone, treasured for its beauty and enduring value.
The writer of Proverbs contrasts worldly riches with the supreme value of wisdom, which leads to life, godliness, and blessing. A ruby is expensive and rare, but wisdom, and by extension Christ, is priceless.
James 3:17 (NLT): “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, willing to yield to others, full of mercy and good deeds, unwavering, and sincere.”
True wisdom is spiritual and moral — it reflects the character of God and points us to Jesus, the ultimate source of all wisdom (Colossians 2:3).
Tim Keller said: “The gospel is the wisdom of God; it is the treasure of life.”
The ruby is a symbol of that treasure — radiant, durable, and life-giving.
In a world obsessed with wealth, status, and appearance, seek the wisdom of God above all else. Invest your time in prayer, Scripture, and the company of the Spirit.
2. Rubies Symbolize Rarity and Enduring Value in God’s Sight
Isaiah 54:11–12 (NLT): “O storm-battered city, troubled and desolate! I will rebuild you with precious jewels and make your foundations from lapis lazuli. I will make your towers of sparkling rubies, your gates of shining gems, and your walls of precious stones.”
Rubies here are part of God’s restoration imagery, representing beauty and value beyond human measure.
Theological insight: Rubies are formed under intense heat, signifying that God’s precious ones — His children — are refined through trials.
1 Peter 1:6–7 (NLT): “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials test your faith, which is far more precious than mere gold.”
Like rubies, our faith shines brighter under testing. God treasures those who endure in obedience, refining them to reflect His glory.
The Hidden Ruby
A miner once said, “You never find a ruby on the surface. You have to dig deep and brave the heat of the earth.”
Similarly, God often allows us to go through hard times to uncover the value of our faith and dependence on Him.
Do not despise trials. Each challenge is God’s way of polishing your faith into a ruby that radiates His beauty to a watching world.
3. Rubies Point Us to Christ — Our Precious Treasure
Matthew 13:45–46 (NLT): “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
Rubies are like these pearls — rare, valuable, and worth any sacrifice. Jesus is that ultimate treasure. Salvation through Him is worth giving up all else.
1 Timothy 6:17–19 (NLT): “Don’t put your hope in the uncertainty of riches, but rather in God... and do good. Be rich in good works, generous, and willing to share.”
True wealth is found in Christlike character and kingdom impact, not in earthly accumulation.
The Jewel Collector
Imagine a collector searching the world for a one-of-a-kind ruby. When finally found, he sells everything else to own it. So God calls us to value Christ above all things — no sacrifice too great.
R.T. Kendall wrote: “If you want the treasure, you must go for Christ wholeheartedly.”
The ruby reminds us: nothing in life compares to the joy, peace, and eternal security found in Jesus.
Seek Christ relentlessly. Treasure Him. Let your life reflect His worth. Your joy, obedience, and witness are like the sparkle of rubies in a dark world.
4. Rubies and the Radiance of a Transformed Life
Matthew 5:14–16 (NLT): “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
A ruby sparkles when it catches the light. Likewise, when we abide in Christ, His light radiates through us, blessing others and glorifying God.
Philippians 2:15 (NLT): “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.”
The Gospel: Treasure Beyond Compare
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the ultimate ruby — pure, radiant, eternal. He left the glory of heaven, endured the pressure of sin on the cross, was buried, and rose again in glory. Through His sacrifice, He makes us precious in God’s eyes.
Romans 10:9–10 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Through Christ, we become God’s treasured jewels, polished, rare, and radiant.
Call to Action:
Treasure Wisdom: Seek Christ above all things.
Embrace Refinement: Let trials polish your character.
Reflect His Radiance: Let your faith, obedience, and love shine like rubies.
Respond to Christ: If you’ve not yet trusted Him, today is your day to place your life in His hands.
Benediction:
May God, who treasures you, refine you under pressure, shine His light through you, and cause your life to reflect the eternal radiance of Christ. Go now — and treasure true beauty in the world around you. Amen.
