Proverbs 1:23

KJV

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Turn {H7725} you at my reproof {H8433}: behold, I will pour out {H5042} my spirit {H7307} unto you, I will make known {H3045} my words {H1697} unto you.

Complete Jewish Bible

Repent when I reprove -I will pour out my spirit to you, I will make my words known to you.

Berean Standard Bible

If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you.

American Standard Version

Turn you at my reproof: Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you; I will make known my words unto you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 1:23 presents a profound invitation from personified Wisdom, urging individuals to heed her corrective instruction and turn from their wayward paths. This pivotal call is met with a magnificent divine promise: an abundant outpouring of God's Spirit and a deeper, more intimate revelation of His words to those who embrace humility and responsiveness. The verse encapsulates a core message of Proverbs, highlighting the accessibility of divine insight and spiritual understanding for those who choose to align their hearts with God's truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 1:23 is strategically placed within the opening section of the book (Proverbs 1:20-33), where Wisdom is personified as a prophetess, not merely speaking, but "crying aloud in the street" and "raising her voice in the squares" ([Proverbs 1:20-21](/proverbs/1-20-21 "Proverbs 1:20-21 - Wisdom's Public Proclamation")). This public proclamation immediately follows a stark warning against the destructive enticements of sinners (Proverbs 1:10-19), establishing a clear dichotomy between the path of folly and the path of wisdom. Wisdom's lament over those who scorn her counsel (Proverbs 1:22) sets the stage for this direct, urgent invitation, which serves as a final, gracious appeal before the inevitable consequences for those who persistently refuse to listen. It underscores her universal availability and the critical nature of her call to all who would hear.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern tradition of wisdom literature, yet distinctively, Israelite wisdom is grounded in the "fear of the Lord" ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge")). The imagery of Wisdom crying out in the "gates of the city" (implied in Proverbs 1:20-21) reflects the central role of these public spaces for commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction in ancient Israel. This made them ideal venues for important pronouncements. The concept of "reproof" (Hebrew: *tôwkêchâh*) was fundamental to ancient pedagogy, emphasizing the necessity of discipline, correction, and instruction for moral and intellectual development within a community guided by covenantal law. The promise of God's "spirit" and "words" aligns with Israelite theology, where God actively communicates with and empowers His people, often through prophets and wise individuals, to live in accordance with His divine will.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes foundational to the book of Proverbs. Foremost is the **personification of Wisdom**, presenting her not as an abstract philosophical concept but as an active, vocal, and compassionate entity who invites and warns humanity. It highlights the theme of **divine initiative and grace**, demonstrating that God, through Wisdom, actively seeks to impart understanding and life, rather than passively waiting for humanity to seek Him. The imperative to "turn" emphasizes **repentance and responsiveness** as essential prerequisites for receiving divine favor and insight, a recurring motif throughout the prophetic and wisdom literature of the Old Testament. Furthermore, the promise of the "spirit" and "words" points to the profound theme of **divine revelation and spiritual illumination**, assuring that those who heed Wisdom's call will gain profound insight into God's truth, enabling them to live a life aligned with His will, as seen in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding throughout [the book of Proverbs](/proverbs/2 "Proverbs 2 - The Benefits of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) signifies a turning back, away, or around, whether literally or figuratively. In Proverbs 1:23, it carries the profound connotation of repentance—a decisive and deliberate change of direction from a path of folly, rebellion, or self-will to one of obedience and responsiveness to Wisdom's call. It implies a moral and spiritual reorientation, moving away from previous harmful choices and embracing a new way of living aligned with divine truth.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _rûwach'_):** This multifaceted Hebrew term (H7307) can refer to wind, breath, or, significantly, the divine Spirit. In this context, it denotes God's divine influence, power, and enabling presence. The promise to "pour out my spirit" suggests a lavish, abundant, and unreserved impartation of divine life, insight, and spiritual capacity, allowing individuals to perceive and understand God's truth in a profound, experiential way, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a transformative inner knowing.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to speak," *dâbâr* (H1697) encompasses not only spoken words but also matters, affairs, decrees, and even actions. Here, it refers to God's divine utterances, His revealed truths, commands, and principles. The promise to "make known my words" implies a deeper, more intimate, and experiential understanding of God's will and wisdom, moving from general knowledge to personal revelation and application that shapes one's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Turn you at my reproof":** This is a direct, imperative call issued by personified Wisdom. "Reproof" (Hebrew: *tôwkêchâh*, H8433) is not merely a scolding or condemnation, but a corrective instruction, a rebuke designed to lead to improvement, restoration, and a right relationship with God. Wisdom demands a fundamental reorientation of the heart and mind, urging listeners to humble themselves and embrace the discipline and guidance she offers, recognizing that her correction is for their ultimate good and not merely judgment.
* **"behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you":** Following the condition of turning, this clause presents a magnificent and certain promise of divine generosity. The "behold" emphasizes the wonder and reliability of this offer. Wisdom, acting as God's agent, promises to "pour out" (Hebrew: *nâbaʻ*, H5042, meaning to gush forth or utter abundantly) her spirit. This signifies a lavish, abundant, and unreserved impartation of divine presence, understanding, and spiritual empowerment, enabling the recipient to grasp and live by her truths with supernatural insight and strength.
* **"I will make known my words unto you":** This second promise further elaborates on the nature of the divine gift. "Make known" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*, H3045) implies more than just intellectual disclosure; it suggests an intimate, experiential knowing that transforms. Those who turn will receive a profound, personal revelation of God's divine principles, commands, and insights. This revelation moves beyond surface understanding, leading to a deep comprehension that transforms one's perspective, guides one's actions, and fosters a living relationship with the source of all wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 1:23 is rich with literary artistry that enhances its persuasive power and theological depth. The most prominent device is **Personification**, where abstract Wisdom is vividly portrayed as a living, speaking entity, crying out in public and issuing both a direct command ("Turn you") and magnificent promises ("I will pour out," "I will make known"). This makes an abstract concept relatable, urgent, and authoritative. The use of the **Imperative** "Turn" creates a direct, confrontational, yet invitational tone, demanding an immediate and decisive response from the audience. The phrase "pour out my spirit" employs a powerful **Metaphor**, likening the abundant impartation of divine influence and understanding to the overflowing of liquid, suggesting generosity, lavishness, and fullness. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Synthetic Parallelism** in its promises, where the outpouring of the spirit and the making known of words are presented as complementary aspects of the divine response to repentance, both leading to deeper spiritual understanding and transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 1:23 unveils a profound theological truth: God's desire to reveal Himself and empower humanity is contingent upon a humble, responsive heart. The call to "turn" is a foundational biblical concept of repentance, signifying a change of mind and direction that aligns with God's will and wisdom. The promise of the "spirit" and "words" highlights the dual nature of divine revelation—an internal, spiritual illumination that grants understanding, and an external, propositional truth that provides guidance. This verse establishes a direct link between human obedience (turning from folly) and divine grace (the outpouring of spirit and words), showing that God's outpouring of spiritual understanding is a gift given to those who are willing to receive His correction. It underscores the active, relational nature of God, who not only speaks but also empowers His people to understand and live by His wisdom.

* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Luke 11:13](/luke/11-13 "Luke 11:13 - Asking for the Holy Spirit")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 1:23 offers a timeless invitation and a powerful promise for every believer, challenging us to a posture of radical receptivity. It reminds us that genuine spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God's truth are not merely intellectual pursuits but require a humble and responsive heart. We are called to actively "turn" from our self-reliance, our preconceived notions, and any path that deviates from God's wisdom, embracing His "reproof" as a loving guide and a pathway to life. This turning is not a one-time event but a continuous posture of humility and teachability, a daily surrender to divine instruction. When we genuinely lean into God's correction and allow His wisdom to reshape us, He promises to lavishly pour out His Spirit, granting us profound spiritual insight and making His words intimately known to us. This divine empowerment enables us to navigate life's complexities with discernment, live in accordance with His will, and experience the transformative power of His presence, fostering a life of true wisdom and flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life am I currently resisting God's "reproof" or correction, perhaps subtly or overtly?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a more humble and responsive heart towards God's wisdom and His corrective guidance?**
* **How might a deeper, more intimate understanding of God's "spirit" and "words" transform my daily decisions, relationships, and overall purpose?**

### FAQ

**Who is "my" in "Turn you at my reproof"?**

Answer: The "my" in this verse refers to personified Wisdom, as vividly introduced in [Proverbs 1:20-21](/proverbs/1-20-21 "Proverbs 1:20-21 - Wisdom's Public Call"). Wisdom is depicted as a divine messenger, crying out in public places, offering instruction and correction to all who will listen. While Wisdom is personified, her words are ultimately God's words, making "my reproof" an expression of divine correction and guidance emanating directly from God Himself. This personification highlights the active, accessible, and authoritative nature of God's wisdom, which is available to all humanity.

**What does it mean for God to "pour out my spirit" in this context?**

Answer: To "pour out my spirit" signifies a generous and abundant impartation of divine influence, understanding, and spiritual capacity. In the Old Testament, the "spirit" (Hebrew: *rûwach*) often refers to God's life-giving breath, His empowering presence, or the source of prophetic insight and wisdom. Here, it means that when individuals turn to Wisdom's call, God will grant them an internal, spiritual illumination that enables them to comprehend His truths more deeply and to live according to His ways. This promise foreshadows the broader outpouring of the Holy Spirit promised in the prophets, such as in [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - God's Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh"), and ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 1:23 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The personified Wisdom crying out in the streets is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is Himself "the wisdom of God" and "the power of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Just as Wisdom calls for turning and offers revelation, Jesus continually called people to "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ([Matthew 4:17](/matthew/4-17 "Matthew 4:17 - Jesus Begins His Ministry")). He is the one who pours out the Spirit, fulfilling the promise of a lavish outpouring that began at Pentecost ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Exaltation of Christ and the Spirit's Outpouring")). Moreover, Jesus is the living "Word" of God ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), who came to "make known" the Father's words and will to humanity, revealing the very nature of God ([John 17:6](/john/17-6 "John 17:6 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")). Thus, turning to Wisdom's reproof is fundamentally turning to Christ, receiving His Spirit, and understanding His life-giving words, which lead to eternal life and true 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

Ezekiel 33:11

Say unto them, [As] I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Acts 3:19

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Ezekiel 18:27

Again, when the wicked [man] turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

Ezekiel 18:30

¶ Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn [yourselves] from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Joel 2:28

¶ And it shall come to pass afterward, [that] I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

Acts 2:36

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.