Proverbs 8:14

KJV

Counsel [is] mine, and sound wisdom: I [am] understanding; I have strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

Counsel {H6098} is mine, and sound wisdom {H8454}: I am understanding {H998}; I have strength {H1369}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Good advice is mine, and common sense; I am insight, power is mine.

Berean Standard Bible

Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.

American Standard Version

Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 8:14 presents a profound declaration from Lady Wisdom, personified as a divine entity, asserting her inherent and indispensable attributes. She proclaims that true counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength originate from her. This verse encapsulates Wisdom's comprehensive nature, portraying her not merely as a concept but as the active source of all guidance, discernment, and fortitude necessary for a flourishing life, underscoring her divine origin and practical efficacy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 8 is a sustained, eloquent appeal from Lady Wisdom, who is presented as a compelling figure calling out to humanity. This chapter stands in stark contrast to the warnings against "Folly" or the "strange woman" found elsewhere in Proverbs, particularly in chapters 7 and 9. Wisdom's discourse begins with her public invitation ([Proverbs 8:1-3](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-3 - Wisdom's Public Call")), establishes her moral purity and truthfulness ([Proverbs 8:6-9](/proverbs/8-6 "Proverbs 8:6-9 - Wisdom's Integrity")), and then describes the immense benefits of embracing her ([Proverbs 8:10-21](/proverbs/8-10 "Proverbs 8:10-21 - The Value of Wisdom")). Proverbs 8:14 specifically falls within her self-description, where she enumerates the invaluable qualities she possesses and bestows upon those who heed her call. The climax of the chapter is Wisdom's pre-existence with God at creation, solidifying her divine authority and eternal nature ([Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Role in Creation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs belongs to the genre of "Wisdom Literature," prevalent throughout the ancient Near East. This genre sought to impart practical and moral instruction for living a good and successful life, often through maxims, proverbs, and extended discourses. In Israel, this wisdom was uniquely rooted in the fear of the Lord ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")), distinguishing it from secular wisdom traditions. The personification of abstract concepts like Wisdom (and Folly) was a common literary device in the ancient world, making complex ideas more accessible and relatable. Lady Wisdom's portrayal as a public figure, calling out in the streets and at city gates, reflects the communal nature of ancient Israelite society where public spaces were centers of instruction, justice, and social interaction. Her attributes—counsel, understanding, strength—were highly valued in leaders, judges, and heads of households, making her appeal particularly relevant to the practicalities of daily life and governance.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 8:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Origin and Nature of Wisdom**. Wisdom is not merely human ingenuity but a divine attribute, intrinsically linked to God Himself, as evidenced by her presence with God at creation ([Proverbs 8:22](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22 - Wisdom's Pre-existence")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Practical Efficacy of Wisdom**. The qualities she possesses—counsel, sound wisdom, understanding, and strength—are not abstract but directly applicable to navigating life's complexities, making sound decisions, and achieving true success. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Wisdom as a Source of True Authority and Power**. Unlike fleeting human power or deceptive counsel, the strength and guidance offered by Wisdom are enduring and reliable. This contrasts sharply with the destructive path of folly, which leads to death ([Proverbs 7:27](/proverbs/7-27 "Proverbs 7:27 - The House of Folly Leads to Death")). Ultimately, the verse underscores that true flourishing and stability in life are found in embracing and living by divine wisdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counsel (Hebrew, _ʻêtsâh'_):** This term (H6098) refers to advice, a strategic plan, or prudence. When Wisdom declares "Counsel is mine," she asserts that she is the ultimate source of well-founded, purposeful guidance. It's not mere suggestion but a reliable blueprint for life, leading to desirable outcomes and reflecting deep insight into principles and consequences.
* **sound wisdom (Hebrew, _tûwshîyâh'_):** This word (H8454) denotes support, ability, an undertaking, or intellectual understanding. It signifies practical, effective wisdom that is substantial and brings about enduring benefit and success. It implies wisdom that "works" and is robust, providing a solid foundation for life's endeavors.
* **understanding (Hebrew, _bîynâh'_):** This term (H998) means comprehension, knowledge, or the ability to discern. Wisdom's claim to understanding highlights her capacity for deep insight, allowing one to distinguish between good and evil, truth and falsehood, and to grasp the underlying meaning of situations. It is the faculty of discernment that enables proper judgment.
* **strength (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** This word (H1369) signifies force, valor, victory, might, or power. In this context, it refers to the inherent capability, moral fortitude, intellectual resilience, and spiritual power that emanates from possessing true wisdom. It is the inner might required to navigate challenges, stand firm in conviction, and execute wise decisions effectively.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Counsel is mine":** Lady Wisdom asserts ownership over counsel, indicating that she is the sole and ultimate source of true guidance and strategic planning. This counsel is not fallible human advice but divinely informed and perfectly reliable direction for life.
* **"and sound wisdom":** This phrase emphasizes the practical and effective nature of the wisdom Wisdom possesses. It's not just theoretical knowledge but wisdom that is substantial, brings about positive results, and provides a firm foundation for action. It is wisdom that is solid and enduring.
* **"I am understanding":** Wisdom declares herself to be the very embodiment of understanding. This signifies her perfect ability to discern, comprehend, and distinguish between complex ideas, situations, and moral choices. She is the source of true insight and discernment, enabling clarity in judgment.
* **"I have strength":** This final clause highlights the inherent power and fortitude that accompanies wisdom. This strength is not physical might but the moral, intellectual, and spiritual capacity to act decisively, persevere through adversity, and uphold righteous principles. It implies that true power resides in sound judgment and discernment, empowering one to live righteously and effectively.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Proverbs 8:14, and indeed throughout Proverbs 8, is **Personification**. Lady Wisdom is given human attributes—she speaks, possesses qualities, and makes declarations—to make an abstract concept more tangible and relatable. This allows for a more vivid and persuasive presentation of wisdom's nature and benefits. The verse also employs **Declarative Statement**, as Wisdom uses assertive "I am" and "I have" statements, lending authority and certainty to her claims. This rhetorical choice underscores her inherent power and the non-negotiable truth of her attributes. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Parallelism** in the enumeration of her qualities; while not strict poetic parallelism, the clauses build upon each other, each attribute reinforcing and complementing the others to paint a comprehensive picture of Wisdom's multifaceted nature and supreme value.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 8:14 profoundly connects to the theological understanding of God as the ultimate source of all wisdom, knowledge, and power. Lady Wisdom, in her self-declaration, reflects the very attributes of the Creator. Her counsel is perfect because it aligns with God's eternal purposes; her understanding is flawless because it mirrors divine omniscience; and her strength is absolute because it is derived from God's omnipotence. To embrace Wisdom, therefore, is to align oneself with the divine mind and will, receiving guidance and empowerment that transcends human capability. This passage underscores that true flourishing is found not in human ingenuity or might, but in seeking and submitting to the wisdom that originates from above.

* [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13 "The Blessings of Wisdom")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "Asking God for Wisdom")
* [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with advice from countless sources—social media, self-help gurus, and fleeting trends—Proverbs 8:14 serves as a powerful anchor, reminding us where true and enduring guidance originates. It challenges us to critically evaluate the counsel we receive and the sources of our understanding, urging us to prioritize the divine wisdom that promises not only clarity but also the inner fortitude to navigate life's complexities. Embracing Lady Wisdom's declaration means actively seeking God's counsel through His Word, prayer, and the discernment of His Spirit. It calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, recognizing that our own understanding is limited, and that true strength comes from aligning with the eternal principles of righteousness and truth. This pursuit of divine wisdom empowers us to make decisions that honor God, build character, and lead to genuine flourishing, even in the face of adversity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life currently feel most in need of "counsel" and "sound wisdom"?**
* **How does my daily routine reflect a prioritization of seeking God's understanding over worldly knowledge?**
* **In what situations have I relied on my own strength rather than the strength that comes from divine wisdom, and what were the consequences?**
* **How can I more intentionally cultivate a deeper relationship with God's wisdom in my decision-making process?**

### FAQ
**Who is "Wisdom" in Proverbs 8, and is it a literal person?**

Answer: In Proverbs 8, "Wisdom" is a literary personification, often referred to as Lady Wisdom. While not a literal human being, this poetic device attributes personal qualities, actions, and speech to wisdom, making an abstract concept more relatable and compelling. Theologically, this personification points to wisdom as a divine attribute, pre-existent with God at creation ([Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Wisdom's Role in Creation")), and an essential aspect of His character. It serves to highlight wisdom's profound importance, divine origin, and active role in the world.

**How does "sound wisdom" (tûwshîyâh) differ from "understanding" (bîynâh) in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related, "sound wisdom" (tûwshîyâh) emphasizes the practical, effective, and substantial nature of wisdom—wisdom that works and brings about successful outcomes. It denotes ability and enterprise. "Understanding" (bîynâh), on the other hand, focuses more on the intellectual capacity to discern, comprehend, and distinguish between different concepts or courses of action. It's the insight that allows for proper judgment and the ability to grasp underlying truths. So, "understanding" is the discerning faculty, while "sound wisdom" is the effective application of that discernment in practical life.

**What kind of "strength" does Wisdom offer, and how is it acquired?**

Answer: The "strength" (gᵉbûwrâh) Wisdom offers is not primarily physical might but rather moral, intellectual, and spiritual fortitude. It is the inner resilience, power, and courage needed to navigate life's challenges, make righteous decisions, stand firm against adversity, and live consistently with divine truth. This strength is acquired by embracing and living according to the counsel, sound wisdom, and understanding that Wisdom embodies. It comes through a humble pursuit of God's ways, a commitment to His Word, and reliance on His guidance, rather than on one's own limited capabilities ([Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Trust in the Lord")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 8:14, with its powerful declaration from Lady Wisdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament reveals Jesus as the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the pre-existent Word through whom all things were made, just as Lady Wisdom was with God at creation ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God and Creator")). Paul explicitly states that Christ is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")) and that in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge Hidden in Christ")). Therefore, when Lady Wisdom declares "Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength," she is prophetically pointing to Christ. He is the perfect Counselor, the source of all true understanding, and the one who provides divine strength to live righteously. To seek wisdom is to seek Christ; to embrace His teachings is to receive His counsel; and to live in Him is to be empowered by His strength, for He has become for us "wisdom from God—and righteousness, holiness and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")).

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.