The ruby is among the most highly prized of gemstones. Large rubies are harder to find than large diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. As a result, the value of a ruby increases with size more than any other gemstone. In the Orient, rubies were once believed to contain the spark of life – “a deep drop of the heart’s blood of Mother Earth,” according to ancient Eastern legends.
In Praise of Wisdom
“Better Than Rubies” is a strange name for a blog, I’ll give you that. It was inspired by the Wisdom literature of the Bible, part of the Ketuvim (the Writings) of the Hebrew Bible.
For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11, New International Version
I think that too many people today have stopped listening to the wisdom imparted by former generations, by literature, by writings of holy books, and by sitting down and just meditating on life and how we fit in it. I know that I myself have gone into autopilot mode for the past few years. And who wouldn’t when you’re working full-time, raising a toddler, maintaining a classical musical training, all while trying to have a meaningful relationship with your spouse and some semblance of a social life. I have stopped meditating or even just sitting down without the TV on and thinking. But that ends now and I hope you will join me in my journey of seeking wisdom.
In Praise of Women
I am also fascinated by the use of rubies as a comparison for “a virtuous woman.” When I read that, I don’t think of the old fashioned notions and roles that women held in past generations. I think of character, strength, independence and fierce courage. I believe that’s what it takes to be a virtuous woman today – a woman that leaves behind a trace of goodness, compassion, and inspiration wherever she goes and in whatever she undertakes. Research shows that empowering girls and women in developing countries yields some of the highest returns of all investments – both private and social benefits that accrue to individuals, families, and to society at large. (Source: http://www.web.worldbank.org) That’s why Care Canada runs an entire campaign targeted to educating girls and women called “I Am Powerful.” When women are empowered, everyone benefits.
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:10, King James Bible
Looking for hidden gems
Finding flawless, large rubies is, I am told, rare. I hope my search for wisdom and my exploration of women’s issues won’t be. I look forward to your comments and to reading your blogs.
How do you define wisdom? What is a “virtuous woman” and is that someone we really need in today’s world?
Great topic… I look forward to future posts.
Thank you, Christina. New post coming up later today!
It really is a challenge to be a woman of character showing and having good virtues. I know this is a search I am on this year too, to study the Word and allow Jesus to change me into such a woman – hopefully one day a ruby.
I think you’re more than on your way to becoming more precious than a ruby, Jodine. 🙂 God bless on your journey!
Wisdom is experience of knowledge. It is only when knowledge is put into practice that gives an experience and that experience becomes ours and that is wisdom. Wisdom is embodiment of knowledge. On spiritual level, you will find incredible knowledge but this knowledge is very subtle. In order to experience spiritual knowledge I need to understand that I am a ‘soul’ and not this physical body. In fact unrighteousness is conceived in a very subtle form in the soul. It is only when it turns in to thoughts, word and actions that we physically see the real form of unrighteousness in form of lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego, envy, jealousy and likes and dislikes. This is something more prevalent in our society today…affecting both the sexes equally….these are some of my thoughts today
Well put, Dinesh. Thank you for your comments!
Just a Thought
Vanity is extremely contagious; once it gets to us knows of no boundaries and is capable of taking us away from reality -making us weaker day by day. One of the core reasons for despair or hopelessness to strike us is ‘vanity’, because it comes with strings attached.
By adopting the value of ‘humbleness’ in our life, humility will become evident in all our actions…..this is the only known antidote for vanity which will genuinely allow others to judge us on our face value rather than false pretence.
Just a Thought
“We reap what we sow” same holds truth for all the actions that we perform. It is the quality and the type of actions that we perform that determines the level of happiness and sorrows that we experience in our daily life. Therefore, it is entirely our choice to pick the right course of action in order to experience ‘happiness’ by default. The question is what is that course?