¶ I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
I wisdom {H2451} dwell {H7931} with prudence {H6195}, and find out {H4672} knowledge {H1847} of witty inventions {H4209}.
"I, wisdom, live together with caution; I attain knowledge and discretion.
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling, And find out knowledgeanddiscretion.
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.
-
Isaiah 28:26
For his God doth instruct him to discretion, [and] doth teach him. -
Exodus 35:30
¶ And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; -
Exodus 36:4
And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; -
Exodus 31:3
And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, -
Exodus 31:6
And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee; -
Proverbs 1:4
To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. -
Romans 11:33
¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Context
Proverbs Chapter 8 is a profound passage where Wisdom is personified as a woman, speaking directly to humanity. She calls out in public places, inviting all to listen to her valuable instruction. This chapter highlights Wisdom's eternal nature, her role in creation, and the immense benefits she brings to those who embrace her. Verse 12 specifically describes some of Wisdom's attributes and companions, emphasizing that true ingenuity and discretion originate from divine wisdom, not merely human cleverness. It sets the stage for understanding Wisdom's practical and foundational role in all sound endeavors, building upon Wisdom's general call in Proverbs 8:1-11.
Key Themes
Wisdom's Companions: Prudence and Discretion
Wisdom is not abstract; she is practical and discerning. She declares, "I wisdom dwell with prudence." The term "prudence" (Hebrew: 'ormah) implies shrewdness, discretion, and practical skill. This is not worldly cunning, but a godly foresight that enables sound judgment and avoids pitfalls. Wisdom is inherently linked with the ability to act thoughtfully and carefully, ensuring decisions are well-considered and beneficial. This connection highlights the practical application of wisdom in daily life, guiding individuals toward careful and discerning choices, as also seen in how the prudent man foresees evil.
Wisdom and Innovation/Ingenuity
The phrase "find out knowledge of witty inventions" translates the Hebrew mezimmot. While this word can sometimes refer to evil schemes, in this context, with Wisdom as the subject, it signifies well-conceived plans, ingenious designs, or discerning purposes. It suggests that true wisdom is the ultimate source of all genuine creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking. It enables the discovery of profound knowledge and the development of effective solutions. This isn't about trivial cleverness but about understanding the deep principles that govern the world and how to apply them constructively. It points to Wisdom's role in the very fabric of creation, as further elaborated in Proverbs 8:22-31.
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "prudence" here is 'ormah (עָרְמָה), which denotes cleverness, shrewdness, or discretion. In a positive sense, as used by Wisdom, it means practical wisdom or sagacity that leads to good outcomes.
The phrase "witty inventions" comes from the Hebrew mezimmot (מְזִמּוֹת). This plural noun can mean "devices," "purposes," "schemes," or "discretions." In the context of Wisdom speaking, it refers to good, well-thought-out plans, ingenious insights, or the capacity to devise beneficial solutions, rather than malevolent plots.
Practical Application
This verse reminds us that true ingenuity, effective planning, and discerning judgment are not born out of mere human intellect alone, but are profoundly rooted in divine wisdom. It encourages us to seek wisdom from God, understanding that it will equip us with the prudence needed for sound decision-making and the insight to solve complex problems or develop beneficial innovations.
For leaders, innovators, and everyday individuals, understanding that wisdom guides discretion and enables constructive discovery is vital. It implies that the best solutions and most beneficial "inventions" or strategies come from a place of godly wisdom, ensuring they are not only clever but also righteous and beneficial. As James 1:5 teaches, God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.