Proverbs 8:7

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.

Complete Jewish Bible:

My mouth says what is true, because my lips detest evil.

Berean Standard Bible:

For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.

American Standard Version:

For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For my mouth{H2441} shall speak{H1897} truth{H571}; and wickedness{H7562} is an abomination{H8441} to my lips{H8193}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Psalms 37:30

  • The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

John 8:14

  • Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, [yet] my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

John 17:17

  • Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Proverbs 12:22

  • ¶ Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

Proverbs 29:27

  • ¶ An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

John 8:45

  • And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not.

John 8:46

  • Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

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Commentary for Proverbs 8:7

Proverbs 8:7 is part of a larger passage in the book of Proverbs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom. This verse is embedded within a section where wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to humanity, extolling the virtues of wisdom and the excellence of her ways. In the historical context of ancient Israel, wisdom was seen as a divine attribute and a guide for righteous living.

The verse itself emphasizes two key themes: truth and wickedness. By stating "For my mouth shall speak truth," the personification of wisdom underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in speech. Truth is presented as an essential characteristic of wisdom, suggesting that wise words are grounded in reality and reliability. The second part of the verse, "and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips," contrasts sharply with the first, highlighting wisdom's rejection of evil. Wickedness, or moral corruption, is something that wisdom not only avoids but finds repulsive. This abhorrence of evil reflects the moral standards that are integral to living a wise and upright life according to the teachings of the Hebrew Scriptures.

In summary, Proverbs 8:7 encapsulates the essence of wisdom as speaking the truth and shunning wickedness. It reflects the broader ancient Israelite worldview that values honesty and moral purity, and it serves as a moral imperative for individuals to pursue truth and reject evil in their communication and conduct. This verse, like many in Proverbs, aims to guide the behavior of the people, encouraging them to embody wisdom in their daily lives.

*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: H2441
    There are 18 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: חֵךְ
    Transliteration: chêk
    Pronunciation: khake
    Description: probably from חָנַךְ in the sense of tasting; properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing); (roof of the) mouth, taste.
  2. Strong's Number: H1897
    There are 24 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: הָגָה
    Transliteration: hâgâh
    Pronunciation: daw-gaw'
    Description: a primitive root (compare הָגִיג); to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder; imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter.
  3. Strong's Number: H571
    There are 395 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֶמֶת
    Transliteration: ʼemeth
    Pronunciation: eh'-meth
    Description: contracted from אָמַן; stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness; assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity.
  4. Strong's Number: H7562
    There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: רֶשַׁע
    Transliteration: reshaʻ
    Pronunciation: reh'-shah
    Description: from רָשַׁע; a wrong (especially moral); iniquity, wicked(-ness).
  5. Strong's Number: H8441
    There are 112 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: תּוֹעֵבַה
    Transliteration: tôwʻêbah
    Pronunciation: to-ay-baw'
    Description: or תֹּעֵבַה; feminine active participle of תַּעָב; properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e. (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol; abominable (custom, thing), abomination.
  6. Strong's Number: H8193
    There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׂפָה
    Transliteration: sâphâh
    Pronunciation: saw-faw'
    Description: or (in dual and plural) שֶׂפֶת; probably from סָפָה or שָׁפָה through the idea of termination (compare סוֹף); the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.); band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words.