Proverbs 8:8-11 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 

‘Righteousness’ – All my sayings are righteous, declaring what man owes to God, his neighbour, and to himself, so that each can receive his due.

‘Froward or perverse’ – Crooked or crafty, perverse, unrighteous, or difficult.

‘They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge.’ My words are plain to him that understands, and righteous to those who have the knowledge. This is in contrast to the crooked, crafty, and unrighteous ones of Proverbs 8:8. The man of understanding and wisdom does not despise truth.

‘Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.’ Choose instruction over silver, and knowledge over gold. Wisdom is even better than rubies and all other things one can desire (8:11; cp. 3:15).

‘Better than rubies’ – Seventeen “better” things in Proverbs: Wisdom is better than gold (3:14; 8:19). Wisdom is better than silver. Wisdom is better than rubies (3:15; 8:11). A despised man is better than one who honors himself (12:9). A little with the fear of God is better than treasures with trouble (15:16). A dinner of herbs with love is better than a feast where hatred is (15:17). A man slow to anger is better than a hot tempered mighty man (16:32). A man who rules his spirit is better than an intemperate hero (16:32). A morsel of bread with quietness is better than a feast with strife (17:1). An honest poor man is better than a fool with perverse lips (19:1). A poor man is better than a liar (19:22). It is better to dwell alone in a small place than in a large one with a brawling woman (21:9; 25:24). It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with an angry and contentious woman (21:19). It is better to be exalted than to be abased before men (25:7). An open rebuke is better than secret love (27:5). A near neighbour is better than a far-off brother (27:10). A righteous poor man is better than a wicked rich man (28:6).