(The Lord speaking is red text)
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.
My mouth says what is true, because my lips detest evil.
For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.
For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
For my mouth{H2441} shall speak{H1897} truth{H571}; and wickedness{H7562} is an abomination{H8441} to my lips{H8193}.
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
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)