Memories flood my mind as I reflect on this passage, and with each passing memory, the wisdom contained here is profound. Two things stand out in this passage: 1) Love cannot be purchased, but it can be given. Love is not measured in stuff, whether that stuff is toys, jewels, vehicle, an expensive dinner, or any other material thing. It therefore follows that I can splurge on an expensive date for my wife, or shower my children with trinkets and still not demonstrate love. Love is measured by the gift of self, not things, for the good of another. True love does not demand or expect anything to be returned as a result of this sacrifice. It gives just because it wants to. Christ demonstrates the greatest love by giving Himself. In kind, I demonstrate true love when I sacrifice my own interests for the well-being and care of another. This concept of love is largely misunderstood in our society, and thus people remain in a state of frustration because they desperately attempt to show love with something that is not love, and this demonstration of false love never brings the expected return of the investment. 2) The value of true love extends far beyond rubies. Solomon paints the most tender of scenes. A meager, perhaps even undesirable, meal is spread on the table, and no one feels like they are lacking. There is satisfaction and warmth, there is joy and harmony, because there is love. These truths are more than just about being happy. They are about Christ. When we discover that His perfect love satisfies and we don’t lack anything, we are then freed to truly love others.