Proverbs 1:20

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Wisdom calls aloud in the open air and raises her voice in the public places;

Berean Standard Bible:

Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;

American Standard Version:

Wisdom crieth aloud in the street; She uttereth her voice in the broad places;

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Wisdom^{H2454} crieth^{H7442} without^{H2351}; she uttereth^{H5414} her voice^{H6963} in the streets^{H7339}:

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Proverbs 1:20

Proverbs 1:20 is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Hebrew Bible, which includes books like Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and the Proverbs themselves. This verse is found within the opening chapter of Proverbs, which serves as an introduction to the entire book, emphasizing the importance of wisdom. The verse personifies wisdom as a woman who cries out in public places, suggesting that wisdom is both accessible and actively seeking to be heard.

In the historical context, the public squares were places of gathering and commerce, where people from all walks of life would come and go. By setting wisdom in these streets, the verse conveys that wisdom is not hidden or reserved for a select few but is available to anyone willing to listen. The imagery of wisdom crying out implies a sense of urgency and the idea that wisdom is not passive but actively invites engagement.

The themes of Proverbs 1:20 include the availability of wisdom, the call to seek wisdom, and the importance of heeding wisdom's counsel. It suggests that wisdom is not confined to scholarly circles but is to be pursued in the everyday aspects of life. The verse also foreshadows the consequences of ignoring wisdom, as the subsequent verses describe how wisdom's calls are often unheeded, leading to folly and disaster. This sets the stage for the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of sayings and instructions intended to impart wisdom and guide individuals in right living.

In summary, Proverbs 1:20 uses the vivid metaphor of wisdom as a woman publicly calling out to convey the message that wisdom is readily available and actively seeks to guide people in their lives. This verse serves as an invitation to the reader to pursue wisdom and to listen to her teachings, which are found throughout the book of Proverbs. It reflects the broader themes of the book, which emphasize the pursuit of wisdom as a key to a well-lived life.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H2454
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חׇכְמוֹת
   Transliteration: chokmôwth
   Pronunciation: khok-moth'
   Description: or חַכְמוֹת; collateral forms of חׇכְמָה; wisdom; wisdom, every wise (woman).
   
2. Strong's Number: H7442
   There are 52 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָנַן
   Transliteration: rânan
   Pronunciation: raw-nan'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy); aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph.
   
3. Strong's Number: H2351
   There are 159 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חוּץ
   Transliteration: chûwts
   Pronunciation: khoots
   Description: or (shortened) חֻץ; (both forms feminine in the plural) from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by awall, i.e. outside, outdoors; abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5414
   There are 1816 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָתַן
   Transliteration: nâthan
   Pronunciation: naw-than'
   Description: a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6963
   There are 436 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קוֹל
   Transliteration: qôwl
   Pronunciation: kole
   Description: or קֹל; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound; [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell.
   
6. Strong's Number: H7339
   There are 41 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רְחֹב
   Transliteration: rᵉchôb
   Pronunciation: rekh-obe'
   Description: or רְחוֹב; from רָחַב; a width, i.e. (concretely) avenue or area; broad place (way), street. See also בֵּית רְחוֹב.