Pearls have been valued for their beauty throughout history, but what does the Bible say about wearing them? Some passages mention pearls, but the focus isn’t on fashion—it’s on their symbolic meaning. Let’s uncover the spiritual significance of pearls and how they are viewed in the Bible.
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What Does The Bible Say About Wearing Pearls
Matthew 7:6
“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
This verse highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in sharing valuable truths and spiritual insights. Pearls symbolize precious wisdom and knowledge. It cautions against sharing such truths indiscriminately, as some people may not appreciate or value them, and may even respond with hostility or rejection.
1 Timothy 2:9
“Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments.”
In this verse, the emphasis is on inner beauty and modesty rather than outward adornment. It encourages women to focus on cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit rather than seeking attention or validation through extravagant clothing or accessories, like pearls. Outer appearance should reflect a heart that is submitted to God and values humility and modesty.
Revelation 21:21
“The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”
This verse describes the heavenly city of New Jerusalem. The use of pearls to construct the gates symbolizes their value and importance. The city is described as a place of great beauty and purity, with precious materials like gold and pearls. It reminds believers of the eternal reward and glory that awaits them in heaven.
Matthew 13:45-46
“Again, 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.”
This parable teaches the value of the kingdom of heaven and the willingness to give up everything for it. The merchant recognizes the extraordinary worth of the pearl he discovers, and it becomes his highest priority. Likewise, as believers, we are called to recognize the surpassing value of the kingdom of God and be willing to prioritize it above all else in our lives.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
This verse encourages believers, particularly women, to focus on cultivating inner beauty rather than relying solely on external appearance. Instead of relying on outward adornments like pearls and expensive jewelry, true beauty is found in possessing a gentle and quiet spirit, characterized by humility, wisdom, and a heart that seeks after God.
Job 28:18
“Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.”
This verse illustrates the incomparable value and worth of wisdom. While coral and jasper may be considered precious, their worth pales in comparison to the priceless value of wisdom. Just as pearls are highly esteemed, this verse reminds us that the pursuit of wisdom is of utmost importance and surpasses any earthly treasures.
1 Corinthians 3:11
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
In this verse, Jesus Christ is referred to as the foundation of the Christian faith. Just as pearls are formed through a process over time, our faith is built upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that our salvation, growth, and spiritual journey are rooted in our relationship with Him.
Proverbs 3:15
“She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Wisdom is compared to a precious gem in this verse, highlighting its incomparable value. Like pearls, wisdom is considered rare and highly prized. This verse encourages believers to prioritize seeking wisdom and understanding, recognizing that it far surpasses any earthly possessions or desires.
Matthew 13:46
“When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”
This verse refers to the parable of the pearl of great value, emphasizing the willingness to give up everything for something of utmost worth. Just as the merchant was willing to sacrifice all to possess the priceless pearl, so should believers be willing to make any sacrifice to obtain the eternal blessings and promises of God’s kingdom.
Proverbs 31:10
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
This verse extols the value and worth of a virtuous and noble wife. Like pearls and rubies, she is considered highly precious and rare. It emphasizes the importance of character and virtue in evaluating a person’s true worth, highlighting qualities such as integrity, wisdom, and strength.
Revelation 17:4
“The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries.”
This verse depicts the false allure and deception of worldly wealth and materialism. The woman’s excessive adornment with pearls and precious stones symbolizes her indulgence in luxury and worldly pleasures. However, it reveals that such external displays of wealth can often mask corruption, immorality, and spiritual emptiness.
Revelation 18:16
“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!'”
This verse pronounces judgment upon the great city of Babylon, which represents worldly power and wealth. The excessive display of pearls, precious stones, and other lavish luxuries symbolizes the city’s opulence and sinful indulgence. It serves as a warning against idolizing material possessions and pursuing worldly gain at the expense of spiritual truth.
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
This verse cautions against pride and placing one’s trust solely in material riches. It reminds believers, especially those who have been blessed with abundance, to prioritize their hope and trust in God rather than worldly wealth. It encourages gratitude for God’s provision and stewardship of resources for His glory.
Lamentations 4:7
“Her Nazirites were purer than snow, whiter than milk; they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their appearance like sapphires.”
This verse describes the physical beauty of the Nazirites, emphasizing their purity and radiance. Rubies and sapphires are mentioned to illustrate their exceptional appearance. It serves as a reminder that true beauty originates from a heart devoted to God, surpassing any external adornments or physical attractiveness.
Job 28:16
“It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire.”
This verse continues to highlight the incomparable value of wisdom. The mention of precious gemstones like onyx and sapphire further underscores the point that wisdom cannot be equated or compared with any material wealth or treasures of this world.
Isaiah 54:12
“I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.”
In this verse, God promises to adorn and beautify His people’s dwelling place. The mention of rubies and precious stones symbolizes His desire to provide for His people extravagantly. It serves as a reminder of God’s abundant blessings and His intention to bring beauty, strength, and security to His faithful followers.
Proverbs 20:15
“Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.”
This verse draws a parallel between the rarity of finding lips that speak knowledge and the scarcity of precious jewels like gold and rubies. It highlights the value and scarcity of wisdom and knowledge, emphasizing their significance and worth above material possessions.
Proverbs 8:11
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Once again, wisdom is compared to rubies in this verse, emphasizing its incomparable value. It reinforces the idea that wisdom and understanding are worth pursuing above any earthly desires, possessions, or achievements.
1 Corinthians 3:12
“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.”
This verse speaks of the importance of building our lives on the foundation of Christ. The mention of gold, silver, and precious stones symbolizes lasting and valuable materials for spiritual building. On the other hand, wood, hay, and straw represent temporary and perishable works that will not withstand the testing of time. It encourages believers to invest in eternal treasures rather than temporary worldly pursuits.
Proverbs 31:10
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.”
Similar to other verses, this passage highlights the value and worth of a virtuous wife. The comparison to jewels emphasizes her exceptional and unparalleled worth. It emphasizes the rarity and value of finding a woman of noble character, who embodies qualities of wisdom, strength, and integrity.
Job 28:12
“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?”
This verse raises the question of the origin and source of wisdom and understanding. It encourages seekers of wisdom to recognize that true wisdom comes from God and can only be found in a relationship with Him. It prompts believers to acknowledge their need for divine guidance and to seek His wisdom above all else.
Psalm 19:10
“They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.”
In this verse, the psalmist declares the value and desirability of God’s precepts and commands. The comparison to gold and honey highlights their incomparable worth and sweetness. It serves as a reminder that the wisdom and guidance found in God’s Word are priceless treasures that bring joy, satisfaction, and direction to those who seek them.
Proverbs 8:18-19
“With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver.”
This passage personifies wisdom as speaking, declaring that it brings riches, honor, and enduring wealth. It emphasizes the superior value and benefits of wisdom compared to material riches. It encourages believers to pursue wisdom and understanding as the true source of abundance and prosperity.
Revelation 21:11
“It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.”
This verse describes the radiant and magnificent appearance of the heavenly city, emphasizing its splendor and purity. The mention of a precious jewel, like a jasper, highlights the city’s beauty and the glory of God’s presence. It serves as a glimpse of the indescribable and awe-inspiring glory that awaits believers in eternity.
Proverbs 16:16
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
Just as pearls and precious gems are highly valued, this verse emphasizes the immeasurable worth and superiority of wisdom and insight. It encourages believers to prioritize the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and discernment over the accumulation of worldly wealth.