Proverbs 1:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:20 presents a vivid personification of Wisdom as a powerful, active figure who publicly and persistently calls out to humanity. She is depicted not as a reclusive scholar or a whisperer of secrets, but as a vibrant, vocal presence in the most public spaces of the city, earnestly seeking to impart life-giving instruction and discernment to all who will listen. This imagery underscores the universal accessibility and urgent necessity of divine wisdom for navigating the complexities of life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:20 is situated within the didactic opening section of the book of Proverbs (chapters 1-9), which serves as an extended parental instruction from a father to his son, urging him to embrace wisdom and reject folly. This section introduces the foundational premise that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge"). The personification of Wisdom as a woman, which begins here and is further developed in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call and Role in Creation"), establishes wisdom as an active, divine agent, not merely an abstract concept. This portrayal sets up a dramatic contrast with the seductive and destructive appeals of Folly, also personified as a woman, later in the book (e.g., [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - The Invitation of Folly")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of Wisdom crying "without" and "in the streets" reflects the public life of ancient Near Eastern cities. The "streets" (Hebrew: *rehovot*) typically refer to broad public squares, city gates, and main thoroughfares where daily commerce, legal proceedings, public announcements, and social interactions took place. The city gate, in particular, was the hub of community life, serving as a court, marketplace, and meeting place. By positioning Wisdom in these highly visible and active locations, the text emphasizes that divine wisdom is not confined to religious sanctuaries or academic institutions but is relevant and available to everyone in their everyday lives, public dealings, and moral decisions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **Accessibility of Wisdom**, asserting that God's truth is not hidden or exclusive but openly proclaimed for all to hear. Secondly, it conveys the **Urgency and Persistence of Wisdom's Call**, using strong verbs like "crieth" and "uttereth" to suggest a loud, insistent, and unavoidable invitation, implying that ignorance of wisdom is often a choice rather than a lack of opportunity. Thirdly, it emphasizes **Wisdom's Public Relevance**, demonstrating that its principles are applicable to every facet of societal and individual life, from personal conduct to communal justice, and are meant to guide the entire public sphere.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Hebrew, _chokmôwth'_):** This word, a collateral form of *chokmah*, denotes not merely intellectual knowledge but a comprehensive understanding that encompasses practical skill, moral discernment, and the ability to live righteously according to God's principles. It is applied knowledge leading to right action and a flourishing life. The plural form *chokmôwth* can emphasize the abundance or intensity of wisdom, or perhaps the manifold aspects of wisdom.
* **crieth (Hebrew, _rânan'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e. to shout (usually for joy)." This word suggests a loud, clear, and often joyful or triumphant proclamation. It implies a confident, unreserved declaration, not a desperate or pleading cry. Wisdom is not whispering in a corner but boldly announcing something profoundly good and necessary.
* **streets (Hebrew, _rᵉchôb'_):** This term refers to a "width," specifically an "avenue or area," denoting broad public places, squares, or thoroughfares within a city. As discussed in the context, these were the central hubs of public life, commerce, and legal proceedings. Wisdom's presence here signifies its universal relevance and open availability to all members of society, in every aspect of their daily existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wisdom crieth without;":** This clause introduces the personified Wisdom as an active, vocal agent. The verb "crieth" (from *rânan*) suggests a loud, clear, and perhaps joyful proclamation, indicating that Wisdom is not shy or hidden. The adverb "without" (from *chûwts*) signifies that her call is made in the open, outside private dwellings, emphasizing her public and accessible nature.
* **"she uttereth her voice in the streets:":** This second clause reinforces and expands upon the first. "Uttereth her voice" (using *nâthan* "to give" and *qôwl* "voice") reiterates the active, audible nature of Wisdom's communication. The location "in the streets" (from *rᵉchôb*) specifies the public squares and thoroughfares, the very heart of communal life. This repetition and specification underscore the idea that Wisdom's message is not for a select few, but for everyone, in every public sphere of life.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 1:20 is **Personification**, where wisdom is given human attributes and actions, specifically the ability to "cry" and "utter her voice." This makes wisdom a dynamic, relatable character actively engaging with humanity, rather than an abstract concept. The setting of "without" and "in the streets" serves as a **Metaphor** for the public square and the entirety of human experience, emphasizing that wisdom's principles are not confined to private study but are applicable and necessary in all areas of life. The forceful verbs "crieth" and "uttereth" also contribute to an element of **Emphasis** or **Hyperbole**, highlighting the urgency, clarity, and persistence of wisdom's call, making it difficult to ignore for those who are truly listening.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:20 establishes a profound theological truth: God's wisdom is not a secret to be guarded but a truth to be proclaimed and embraced. This open invitation reflects God's benevolent desire for humanity to live in alignment with His design, leading to flourishing and righteousness. The public nature of Wisdom's call foreshadows the universal scope of God's revelation and His persistent pursuit of humanity, inviting all to turn from folly and embrace life. This divine initiative underscores that spiritual understanding is not earned through esoteric knowledge but is freely offered to those who humbly seek it.

* [Proverbs 8:1-3](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-3 - Wisdom's Public Call")
* [Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Wisdom's Feast and Invitation")
* [Proverbs 1:24-33](/proverbs/1-24 "Proverbs 1:24-33 - Wisdom's Rejection and Consequences")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:20 serves as a compelling reminder that divine wisdom is not hidden away in obscure texts or confined to sacred spaces; it is actively and loudly proclaimed in the very fabric of our daily lives. The challenge for us today is to cultivate an attentiveness to Wisdom's voice amidst the cacophony of modern life. Are we truly listening for God's principles in our decisions, our relationships, our work, and our public discourse? This verse calls us to recognize that wisdom is not merely intellectual assent but a practical, moral discernment that impacts every "street" we walk down. Embracing this wisdom means actively seeking to understand God's perspective, applying His truth to our circumstances, and allowing it to shape our character and actions, leading us toward a life of greater understanding, discernment, and ultimately, true flourishing in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "streets" or public spheres of your life do you most need to hear and apply God's wisdom today?**
* **What distractions or internal resistances might prevent you from truly hearing Wisdom's clear and persistent call?**
* **How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to listen for and respond to divine wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Is the "Wisdom" in Proverbs 1:20 a literal woman?**

Answer: No, the "Wisdom" in Proverbs 1:20 is not a literal woman. This is a literary device known as **personification**, where an abstract concept (wisdom) is given human characteristics and actions to make it more relatable, vivid, and impactful. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is consistently personified as a woman who calls out, builds her house, prepares a feast, and offers guidance. This artistic choice emphasizes wisdom's active, accessible, and life-giving nature, distinguishing it from the destructive allure of Folly, which is also personified as a woman in later chapters (e.g., [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - The Invitation of Folly")). The ultimate theological significance of this personification points to the divine origin and nature of true wisdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The personified Wisdom crying out in the streets finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Wisdom in Proverbs is portrayed as eternally present with God at creation ([Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Role in Creation")), so too is Christ identified as the [eternal Word (Logos)](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh") through whom all things were made. He is explicitly called "the wisdom of God" by the Apostle Paul ([1_corinthians/1-24](/1-corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") and [1_corinthians/1-30](/1-corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Like Wisdom in Proverbs, Jesus did not hide His message in secluded places; rather, He publicly proclaimed the kingdom of God, teaching in the [synagogues and streets](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaching and Healing") of Galilee and Judea, inviting all who would hear to [come to Him](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary and Burdened"). His life, teachings, death, and resurrection are the embodiment of divine wisdom, offering humanity the ultimate path to understanding, righteousness, and eternal life. To embrace Christ is to embrace true wisdom, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([colossians/2-3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 9:3

She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

Colossians 2:3

In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Luke 11:49

Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and [some] of them they shall slay and persecute:

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Proverbs 8:1

¶ Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

Proverbs 8:5

O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Matthew 13:54

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works?