Proverbs 1:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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,

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:21 vividly portrays personified Wisdom as an active, urgent herald, proclaiming her vital message not in secluded corners but in the most public and bustling arenas of the ancient city. Her voice rings out in the chief places of concourse, at the strategic openings of the gates, and throughout the urban landscape, underscoring the universal accessibility of divine truth and the public nature of her persistent call to all who will listen and embrace understanding.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1 serves as the foundational prologue to the entire book, articulating its core purpose: to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding, particularly to those who are young and impressionable ([Proverbs 1:2-6](/proverbs/1-2 "Proverbs 1:2-6 - Purpose of Proverbs")). The chapter begins with an exhortation to heed parental instruction and then issues a stark warning against the seductive allure and destructive path of wicked companions ([Proverbs 1:8-19](/proverbs/1-8-19 "Proverbs 1:8-19 - Warning Against Sinners")). Following this cautionary narrative, the voice shifts dramatically in [Proverbs 1:20](/proverbs/1-20 "Proverbs 1:20 - Wisdom Cries Out"), introducing personified Wisdom herself. Verse 21 then meticulously details the prominent, public locations where Wisdom makes her proclamation, setting a deliberate contrast with the secretive, hidden schemes of the wicked described earlier. This public outcry prepares the reader for Wisdom's subsequent lament over those who reject her counsel and the dire consequences of such refusal ([Proverbs 1:22-33](/proverbs/1-22-33 "Proverbs 1:22-33 - Wisdom's Rebuke and Promise")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite cities, mirroring urban centers across the Near East, were meticulously designed with specific public spaces that functioned as the vibrant nerve centers of community life. The "gates" were far more than mere entry points; they were expansive, fortified areas that served as bustling marketplaces, judicial courts where elders presided over legal disputes ([Ruth 4:1-2](/ruth/4-1-2 "Ruth 4:1-2 - Boaz at the City Gate") and [Deuteronomy 21:19](/deuteronomy/21-19 "Deuteronomy 21:19 - Elders at the Gate")), and primary gathering places for social interaction, public announcements, and civic discourse. The "chief place of concourse," literally translated as "head of noisy places" or "tumultuous places," refers to the busiest, most crowded thoroughfares, public squares, and commercial districts. By strategically placing Wisdom's cry in these highly visible and audible locations, the text powerfully underscores her universal availability to all segments of society—merchants, judges, citizens, and strangers alike—integrating her message into the very heart of daily existence.

* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several pivotal themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it emphatically highlights **Wisdom's Accessibility**, asserting that divine truth is not an esoteric secret confined to a select few, but a freely offered, openly proclaimed gift to all humanity. Secondly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Public Proclamation**, portraying Wisdom as an active, vocal agent who deliberately seeks out people where they are, making her call virtually unavoidable. This stands in stark opposition to the clandestine, deceptive nature of Folly and wickedness, which typically operate in the shadows and lure victims with hidden snares ([Proverbs 7:10-12](/proverbs/7-10-12 "Proverbs 7:10-12 - The Enticing Harlot")). Finally, the urgency inherent in her "crying out" points to the **Urgency of the Call**, implying that Wisdom's message is of paramount importance and demands immediate, decisive attention, thereby setting the crucial groundwork for the subsequent warnings against procrastination and outright rejection found later in [Proverbs 1](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Call of Wisdom")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **crieth (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this primitive root signifies "to call out to," "to address by name," or "to proclaim." It denotes a loud, public, and often urgent summons, far beyond a whisper or a gentle invitation. In the context of Wisdom, it conveys a forceful, clear declaration designed to penetrate the cacophony of urban life and capture immediate attention. This is an intentional act of public evangelism, making her message impossible to overlook for those within earshot.
* **concourse (Hebrew, _hâmâh'_):** From H1993, this word means "to make a loud sound," "to be in great commotion or tumult," or "to clamor." It vividly depicts the noisy, bustling, and often chaotic environment of a busy marketplace or public square. By crying out in the "chief place of concourse," Wisdom deliberately positions her message amidst life's distractions and clamor, asserting her voice above the din of everyday affairs and competing priorities.
* **uttereth (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** From H559, this primitive root means "to say" or "to speak" with broad application. While "crieth" emphasizes the volume and urgency of her proclamation, "uttereth" focuses on the content and intentionality of her message. It implies a deliberate, articulate delivery of her "words" (H561, _ʼêmer_), indicating that her proclamation is not mere noise but a coherent, reasoned speech intended to instruct, persuade, and transform.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She crieth":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the personification of Wisdom as an active, vocal, and dynamic agent. The verb "crieth" (qârâʼ) denotes a loud, public, and insistent call, underscoring the urgency and paramount importance of her message. It is not a subtle hint but a forceful proclamation demanding immediate attention.
* **"in the chief place of concourse":** This specifies the primary, most prominent location of Wisdom's public address. The "chief place" (rôʼsh) refers to the head or most significant part, while "concourse" (hâmâh) describes a noisy, tumultuous gathering place, such as a bustling market or public square. Wisdom strategically positions herself where the maximum number of people are gathered, amidst the clamor of daily life, to ensure her message is widely and unavoidably heard.
* **"in the openings of the gates":** This clause further details Wisdom's pervasive public presence. The "openings" (pethach) of the "gates" (shaʻar) refer to the entrances to the city, which in ancient times were vital hubs for commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction. By crying out here, Wisdom makes her message accessible to all who enter and exit the city, encompassing every individual passing through the community's most essential artery.
* **"in the city she uttereth her words, [saying]":** This final clause broadens the scope of Wisdom's proclamation to encompass the entire urban environment. "In the city" (ʻîyr) confirms that her message permeates every corner of public life and civic engagement. The phrase "she uttereth her words" (ʼâmar her ʼêmer) reiterates that her cry is not simply noise but a coherent, intentional, and articulate message, preparing the listener for the profound content of her address that unfolds in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device employed in Proverbs 1:21 is **Personification**. Wisdom is presented as a vibrant, active female figure who "cries," "utters," and "says," imbuing an abstract concept with human qualities, agency, and a compelling voice. This makes Wisdom relatable, dynamic, and accessible, transforming her from a mere principle into a character who actively seeks out humanity. The verse also utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a clear and evocative picture of bustling ancient cityscapes—the "chief place of concourse," the "openings of the gates," and "the city" itself. This rich imagery serves to emphasize the public, pervasive, and undeniable nature of Wisdom's call. Furthermore, this public proclamation highlights a powerful **Contrast** with the secretive, hidden, and deceptive ways of Folly and the wicked, whose schemes are often carried out in darkness and concealment ([Proverbs 1:11](/proverbs/1-11 "Proverbs 1:11 - Lying in Wait")). Wisdom's open, transparent, and universal invitation stands in stark opposition to the clandestine allure of sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:21 articulates a profound and enduring theological truth: divine wisdom is not a reclusive mystery reserved for an esoteric few, but a freely offered gift, openly and urgently proclaimed to all humanity. This verse powerfully underscores God's benevolent desire for all people to acquire understanding, embrace righteousness, and flourish, making His truth accessible within the very fabric of daily life. It implies a divine initiative, where Wisdom actively pursues those who need her, rather than passively awaiting discovery. This public, insistent call also highlights the inescapable human responsibility to either heed or reject this clear invitation, thereby setting the stage for the profound consequences of such choices detailed later in the chapter and throughout the book. The accessibility of Wisdom in the public square serves as a powerful metaphor for God's pervasive presence and His continuous, multifaceted call to humanity through various means.

* [Proverbs 8:1-3](/proverbs/8-1-3 "Proverbs 8:1-3 - Wisdom's Public Call")
* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - An Invitation to All")
* [Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - He Who Has Ears to Hear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:21 challenges us to deeply consider where we are seeking wisdom and whether we are truly listening to its public, persistent, and pervasive call in our lives. In our modern, often noisy, distracted, and fragmented world, divine wisdom, embodied in the timeless truths of Scripture and the enduring principles of God's kingdom, continues to be proclaimed in plain sight. It is accessible through the revealed Word of God, through the teachings and fellowship of the church, through the moral order embedded in creation, and through the quiet conviction of the Holy Spirit. The "chief place of concourse" today might manifest as our workplaces, our digital social spheres, the cacophony of public discourse, or even the subtle promptings within our daily routines. The fundamental question is not whether Wisdom is speaking, but whether we are cultivating a posture of attentiveness to her voice amidst the overwhelming clamor of other demands, distractions, and competing narratives. Are we actively seeking out her counsel, or are we allowing the fleeting allure of worldly promises and instant gratification to drown out her urgent, life-giving, and eternally significant message? This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of intentional listening, humble responsiveness, and active pursuit of the profound wisdom that God has openly provided for our ultimate flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your daily life do you most experience "concourse" or "tumult," and how might Wisdom be speaking to you in those very places, even amidst the noise?**
* **What are some modern-day "openings of the gates" (e.g., public forums, media, relationships) where divine wisdom is publicly available, and are you actively engaging with them?**
* **How does the active, public, and persistent nature of Wisdom's call challenge any passive or secretive approaches you might have to spiritual growth and seeking truth?**
* **What specific "words" of Wisdom (from Scripture, godly counsel, or personal conviction) are you currently hearing that demand your immediate attention and wholehearted response?**

### FAQ
**Why is Wisdom personified as a woman in Proverbs?**

Answer: The personification of Wisdom as a woman in Proverbs, particularly prominent in chapters 1, 8, and 9, is a powerful and intentional literary device designed to make an abstract concept more tangible, relatable, and compelling. Presenting Wisdom as a female figure, often depicted as a noble, virtuous, and life-giving woman, transforms her into an active agent who calls out, offers guidance, and provides a stark contrast to the seductive and destructive figure of Folly (often portrayed as a harlot in [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "Proverbs 7 - The Allure of the Adulteress") and [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13-18 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - The Call of Folly")). This personification emphasizes Wisdom's active role in seeking out humanity, her inherently life-giving nature, and her profound, decisive influence on human destiny. It also aligns with common ancient Near Eastern literary practices of personifying abstract qualities or divine attributes to enhance their impact and memorability.

**What is the significance of Wisdom crying out in public places like "the gates" and "the city"?**

Answer: The strategic choice of public locations for Wisdom's proclamation is highly significant and deeply symbolic. In ancient Israelite society, the city gates were not merely points of entry but served as the central hub of community life. They functioned as bustling marketplaces, official courts of law where elders administered justice ([Deuteronomy 21:19](/deuteronomy/21-19 "Deuteronomy 21:19 - Elders at the Gate")), and primary venues for public assembly and announcements. The "chief place of concourse" refers to the busiest, most crowded thoroughfares and public squares. By crying out in these highly visible and audible locations, Wisdom powerfully demonstrates her universal accessibility and her earnest desire to reach everyone—the rich and poor, the wise and foolish, the merchant and the judge, the citizen and the stranger. Her message is not exclusive, hidden, or esoteric; it is openly and freely available to all who will listen, standing in stark contrast to the secretive, deceptive, and often hidden ways of wickedness ([Proverbs 1:11-12](/proverbs/1-11-12 "Proverbs 1:11-12 - The Schemes of the Wicked")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:21, with its vivid depiction of personified Wisdom crying out publicly in the bustling centers of human activity, finds its ultimate, most profound, and glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive ministry of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as the very embodiment of divine Wisdom. [Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge") unequivocally declares that "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Similarly, [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God") identifies Christ as "the power of God and the wisdom of God." Just as Wisdom in Proverbs cries out in the public squares and city gates, so too did Jesus conduct His earthly ministry openly, teaching with unparalleled authority in synagogues, on hillsides, by the sea, and in the very temple courts, proclaiming the kingdom of God to all who would hear ([Matthew 5:1-2](/matthew/5-1-2 "Matthew 5:1-2 - Sermon on the Mount") and [Luke 4:15](/luke/4-15 "Luke 4:15 - Jesus Taught in Synagogues")). His parables, public discourses, and authoritative commands were His "words" (ʼêmer), uttered with divine authority, inviting all to come to Him for rest, life, and understanding ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The urgent, public, and universally accessible call of Wisdom in Proverbs powerfully foreshadows the incarnate Wisdom, Jesus Christ, who stands at the crossroads of human existence, tirelessly inviting humanity to turn from the folly of sin and embrace the abundant, eternal life found only in Him.

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

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.