Proverbs 1:20

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 1:20 KJV presents a powerful and evocative image of wisdom as a living entity, actively seeking to be heard and understood by humanity. This verse is part of the introductory chapters of the book of Proverbs, which lay the foundational principles for acquiring true wisdom.

Context of Proverbs 1:20

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient Israelite wisdom literature, offering practical guidance for living a righteous and discerning life. Chapters 1-9 serve as an extended invitation to embrace wisdom and reject folly. In this section, wisdom is personified as a woman, making an urgent and public appeal. This literary device emphasizes wisdom's active nature and its desire to share its life-giving instruction. The setting—"without" and "in the streets"—highlights that wisdom is not hidden or exclusive but is openly accessible to all who would listen in the public square, marketplace, and city gates where daily life unfolded and justice was often administered.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Accessibility of Wisdom: Unlike secret knowledge or exclusive teachings, divine wisdom is presented as being readily available. It doesn't hide in secluded places but makes itself known in the most common, public spaces. This underscores God's desire for all people to find and follow His truth.
  • Urgency and Persistence: The phrase "crieth without; she uttereth her voice" suggests a loud, persistent, and unmissable call. Wisdom is not whispering but shouting, indicating the vital importance of its message and its persistent invitation to humanity. This proactive stance implies that ignorance of wisdom is often due to a refusal to listen, rather than a lack of opportunity.
  • Public Proclamation: By crying out "in the streets," wisdom declares its relevance to every aspect of daily life and public interaction. It is applicable to business, relationships, governance, and personal conduct. Its principles are universal and meant to guide societal order as well as individual choices.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Wisdom" is chokmah, which encompasses not just intellectual knowledge but also practical skill, moral discernment, and the ability to live according to God's principles. It is applied understanding that leads to right action. The verb "crieth" (Hebrew: ranan) suggests a joyful, clear, and confident proclamation, not a desperate cry. It's the sound of someone announcing something profoundly good and necessary.

Related Scriptures

The personification of Wisdom is further developed in Proverbs chapter 8, where she describes her ancient origins and her role in creation, solidifying her divine nature. This open call contrasts sharply with the subtle, deceptive invitations of Folly later in the book (e.g., Proverbs 9:13-18). The consequence of ignoring wisdom's public cry is explored in Proverbs 1:24-33, where Wisdom mocks those who rejected her invitation when calamity strikes.

Practical Application

Proverbs 1:20 reminds us that God's wisdom is not hidden away in obscure texts or accessible only to a select few. It is openly declared in various forms—through Scripture, creation, and conscience. The challenge for us today is to tune our ears to wisdom's voice amidst the clamor of the world. Are we actively seeking to hear and apply divine principles in our daily lives, in our "streets" and public interactions? Embracing this wisdom leads to a life of understanding, discernment, and ultimately, true flourishing.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?
← Back