Proverbs 1:21

She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, [saying],

She crieth {H7121} in the chief place {H7218} of concourse {H1993}, in the openings {H6607} of the gates {H8179}: in the city {H5892} she uttereth {H559} her words {H561}, saying,

she calls out at streetcorners and speaks out at entrances to city gates:

in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech:

She crieth in the chief place of concourse; At the entrance of the gates, In the city, she uttereth her words:

Proverbs 1:21 is part of the opening section of the book, where Wisdom is personified and presented as actively seeking out those who will listen. This verse specifically describes where Wisdom makes her appeal.

Context

The book of Proverbs begins with an invitation to receive wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:2-6). Following this introduction, the voice of Wisdom herself is heard, crying out publicly. Verses 20-21 describe the location of this public proclamation. This contrasts with the earlier warnings against the private, hidden schemes of wicked men (Proverbs 1:11-14).

The setting described – the "chief place of concourse," "openings of the gates," and "in the city" – highlights that Wisdom is not hidden away but is readily available in the most public and busy areas of the ancient city, where people gathered for commerce, judgment, and social interaction. The city gate was a central hub of community life in ancient Israel.

Key Themes

  • Wisdom's Accessibility: The verse emphasizes that divine wisdom is not exclusive or hard to find; it is proclaimed openly for all to hear.
  • Public Proclamation: Wisdom actively goes to where the people are, making her call heard in the busiest public spaces.
  • Urgency of the Call: The word "crieth" (Hebrew: ranan or tsa'aq, depending on the specific text tradition, but conveying a loud, public cry) suggests an urgent and important message that demands attention.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "Wisdom" here is chokmah (חָכְמָה), which signifies not just intellectual knowledge but practical skill, understanding, and godly living. The phrase "chief place of concourse" points to noisy, crowded places. "Openings of the gates" refers to the entrances to the city, which served as marketplaces, courts, and gathering spots.

Reflection

Proverbs 1:21 challenges the idea that spiritual wisdom is only found in secluded or secret places. It underscores that godly wisdom is presented openly to humanity. Today, this might mean that truth and wisdom are available in plain sight through Scripture and God's creation, even amidst the noise and busyness of modern life. The call is clear and public; the question is whether we choose to listen and respond to Wisdom's voice, especially when contrasted with the enticing but destructive call of Folly described elsewhere in Proverbs.

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.

  • Acts 5:20

    Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

  • Matthew 10:27

    What I tell you in darkness, [that] speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, [that] preach ye upon the housetops.

  • Proverbs 9:3

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

  • Matthew 13:2

    And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

  • John 18:20

    Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

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