TRV
- שִׁמְעוּShim·'ulistenH8085V-Qal-Imp-2mpVerb Qal Imperative 2nd Plural Masculine
- כִּיkiforH3588PrtParticle Conditional
- נְגִידִיםne·gi·Dimprincely thingsH5057N-mpNoun Plural Masculine Absolute
- אֲדַבֵּר'a·da·BerI will speakH1696V-Piel-Imperf-1csVerb Piel Imperfect 1st Singular common gender
- וּמִפְתַּחu·mif·Tachand [the] utterance ofH4669Conj-w ¦ N-mscNoun Singular Masculine Constructוּandמִפְתַּח[the] utterance of
- שְׂפָתַיSe·fa·Taimy lipsH8193N-mpc ¦ 1csNoun Plural Masculine Constructשְׂפָתַlipsיmy
- מֵישָׁרִיםmei·sha·Rim[will be] uprightness<es>H4339N-mpNoun Plural Masculine Absolute
English is a literal word-by-word gloss of the Hebrew, not the KJV's wording. Why?
This is the original text the KJV's translators worked from — each Hebrew word with its own literal English meaning in this verse, prepared by scholars at Tyndale House, Cambridge. The KJV translates whole sentences, not word by word, so its wording differs: one Hebrew word can become several English words, and the KJV may choose “the LORD” where the gloss reads “Yahweh”. Both are faithful — they answer different questions. For the KJV's own rendering, switch to the KJV text.
Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 8:1–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The will of God revealed to us for our salvation is here largely represented to us as easy to be known and understood, that none may have an excuse for their ignorance or error, and as worthy to be embraced, that none may have an excuse for their carelessness and unbelief.
I.The things revealed are easy to be known, for they belong to us and to our children (Deu 29:29), and we need not soar up to heaven, or dive into the depths, to get the knowledge of them (Deu 30:11), for they are published and proclaimed in some measure by the works of the creation (Psa 19:1), more fully by the consciences of men and the eternal reasons and rules of good and evil, but most clearly by Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. The precepts of wisdom may easily be known; for,
1.They are proclaimed aloud (Pro 8:1): Does not Wisdom cry? Yes, she cries aloud, and does not spare (Isa 58:1); she puts forth her voice, as one in earnest and desirous to be heard. Jesus stood and cried, Joh 7:37. The curses and blessings were read with a loud voice by the Levites, Deu 27:14. And men's own hearts sometimes speak aloud to them; there are clamours of conscience, as well as whispers.
2.They are proclaimed from on high (Pro 8:2): She stands in the top of high places; it was from the top of Mount Sinai that the law was given, and Christ expounded it in a sermon upon the mount. Nay, if we slight divine revelation, we turn away from him that speaks from heaven, a high place indeed, Heb 12:25. The adulterous woman spoke in secret, the oracles of the heathen muttered, but Wisdom speaks openly; truth seeks no corners, but gladly appeals to the light.
3.They are proclaimed in the places of concourse, where multitudes are gathered together, the more the better. Jesus spoke in the synagogues and in the temple, whither the Jews always resorted, Joh 18:20. Every man that passes by on the road, of what rank or condition soever, may know what is good, and what the Lord requires of him, if it be not his own fault. There is no speech nor language where Wisdom's voice is not heard; her discoveries and directions are given to all promiscuously. He that has ears to hear, let him hear.
4.They are proclaimed where they are most needed. They are intended for the guide of our way, and therefore are published in the places of the paths, where many ways meet, that travellers may be shown, if they will but ask, which is the right way, just then when they are at a loss; thou shalt then hear the word behind thee, saying, This is the way, Isa 30:21. The foolish man known not how to go to the city (Ecc 10:15), and therefore Wisdom stands ready to direct him, stands at the gates, at the entry of the city, ready to tell him where the seer's house is, Sa1 9:18. Nay, she follows men to their own houses, and cries to them at the coming in at the doors, saying, Peace be to this house; and, if the son of peace be there, it shall certainly abide upon it. God's ministers are appointed to testify to people both publicly and from house to house. Their own consciences follow them with admonitions wherever they go, which they cannot be out of the hearing of while they carry their own heads and hearts about with them, which are a law unto themselves.
5.They are directed to the children of men. We attend to that discourse in which we hear ourselves named, though otherwise we should have neglected it; therefore Wisdom speaks to us: "Unto you, O men! I call (Pro 8:4), not to angels (they need not these instructions), not to devils (they are past them), not to the brute-creatures (they are not capable of them), but to you, O men! who are taught more than the beasts of the earth and made wiser than the fowls of heaven. To you is this law given, to you is the word of this invitation, this exhortation sent. My voice is to the sons of men, who are concerned to receive instruction, and to whom, one would think, it should be very welcome. It is not, to you, O Jews! only, that Wisdom cries, nor to you, O gentlemen! not to you, O scholars! but to you, O men! O sons of men! even the meanest." 6. They are designed to make them wise (Pro 8:5); they are calculated not only for men that are capable of wisdom, but for sinful men, fallen men, foolish men, that need it, and are undone without it: "O you simple ones! understand wisdom. Though you are ever so simple, Wisdom will take you for her scholars, and not only so, but, if you will be ruled by her, will undertake to give you an understanding heart." When sinners leave their sins, and become truly religious, then the simple understand wisdom.
II.The things revealed are worthy to be known, well worthy of all acceptation. We are concerned to hear; for,
1.They are of inestimable value. They are excellent things (Pro 8:6), princely things, so the word is. Though they are level to the capacity of the meanest, yet there is that in them which will be entertainment for the greatest. They are divine and heavenly things, so excellent that, in comparison with them, all other learning is but children's play. Things which relate to an eternal God, an immortal soul, and an everlasting state, must needs be excellent things.
2.They are of incontestable equity, and carry along with them the evidence of their own goodness. They are right things (Pro 8:6), all in righteousness (Pro 8:8), and nothing froward or perverse in them. All the dictates and directions of revealed religion are consonant to, and perfective of, the light and law of nature, and there is nothing in them that puts any hardship upon us, that lays us under any undue restraints, unbecoming the dignity and liberty of the human nature, nothing that we have reason to complain of. All God's precepts concerning all things are right.
3.They are of unquestionable truth. Wisdom's doctrines, upon which her laws are founded, are such as we may venture our immortal souls upon: My mouth shall speak truth (Pro 8:7), the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, for it is a testimony to the world. Every word of God is true; there are not so much as pious frauds in it, nor are we imposed upon in that which is told us for our good. Christ is a faithful witness, is the truth itself; wickedness (that is, lying) is an abomination to his lips. Note, Lying is wickedness, and we should not only refrain from it, but it should be an abomination to us, and as far from what we say as from what God says to us. His word to us is yea, and amen; never then let ours be yea and nay.
4.They are wonderfully acceptable and agreeable to those who take them aright, who understand themselves aright, who have not their judgments blinded and biassed by the world and the flesh, are not under the power of prejudice, are taught of God, and whose understanding he has opened, who impartially seek knowledge, take pains for it, and have found it in the enquiries they have hitherto made. To them,
(1.)They are all plain, and not hard to be understood. If the book is sealed, it is to those who are willingly ignorant. If our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are lost; but to those who depart from evil, which is understanding, who have that good understanding which those have who do the commandments, to them they are all plain and there is nothing difficult in them. The way of religion is a highway, and the way-faring men, though fools, shall not err therein, Isa 35:8. Those therefore do a great wrong to the common people who deny them the use of the scripture under pretence that they cannot understand it, whereas it is plain for plain people.
(2.)They are all right, and not hard to be submitted to. Those who discern things that differ, who know good and evil, readily subscribe to the rectitude of all Wisdom's dictates, and therefore, without murmuring or disputing, govern themselves by them.
III.From all this he infers that the right knowledge of those things, such as transforms us into the image of them, is to be preferred before all the wealth of this world (Pro 8:10, Pro 8:11): Receive my instruction, and not silver. Instruction must not only be heard, but received. We must bid it welcome, receive the impressions of it, and submit to the command of it; and this rather than choice gold, that is,
1.We must prefer religion before riches, and look upon it that, if we have the knowledge and fear of God in our hearts, we are really more happy and better provided for every condition of life than if we had ever so much silver and gold. Wisdom is in itself, and therefore must be in our account, better than rubies. It will bring us in a better price, be to us a better portion; show it forth, and it will be a better ornament than jewels and precious stones of the greatest value. Whatever we can sit down and wish for of the wealth of this world would, if we had it, be unworthy to be compared with the advantages that attend serious godliness.
2.We must be dead to the wealth of this world, that we may the more closely and earnestly apply ourselves to the business of religion. We must receive instruction as the main matter, and then be indifferent whether we receive silver or no; nay, we must not receive it as our portion and reward, as the rich man in his life-time received his good things.
Historical interpretation
Five Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Those among us who are ambassadors of Christianity sufficiently declare that they are debtors to Greeks and barbarians, to wise men and fools (for they do not deny their obligation to cure the souls even of foolish persons), in order that as far as possible they may lay aside their ignorance and endeavor to obtain greater prudence, by listening also to the words of Solomon: “O fools, be of an understanding heart,” and “Whoever is the most simple among you, let him turn unto me.” Wisdom exhorts those who are empty of understanding in the words, “Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mixed for you. Forsake folly that you may live, and correct understanding in knowledge.”
“For my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.” Therefore, they who do not hold the truth of the faith in heart and mouth do not receive salvation in baptism. Because of this, although they have the appearance of piety which consists in the sacrament of baptism, by refusing the power of piety they receive neither life nor salvation.
And my lips will be open, etc. His lips are the two Testaments, concordant in the truth, joined in attestation, which, with his flesh appearing through the gift of the Holy Spirit, were opened to preach salvation throughout the whole world.
Listen, for I will speak of great things. Great indeed, because he both promised and gave the kingdom of heaven, and taught the faith of the holy Trinity, and innumerable other things which the prophets left to be spoken by him.
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Summary
Proverbs 8:6 presents a compelling and gracious invitation from personified Wisdom, urging all humanity to listen intently to her counsel. She declares that her words are of unparalleled value and profound significance, dealing with matters of noble truth and enduring importance. Furthermore, she assures that her instruction is inherently righteous, morally sound, and leads to uprightness. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of Wisdom's character and the exceptional quality of her teaching, setting the stage for her subsequent discourse on her divine origin, eternal nature, and the life-giving benefits she bestows upon those who embrace her.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 8:6 is strategically positioned within the extended, eloquent discourse of personified Wisdom in Proverbs 8. This chapter marks a thematic crescendo in the book's opening instructional section (Proverbs 1-9), which consistently contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly. Unlike the warnings against the "strange woman" or the enticements of evil companions found in earlier chapters, here Wisdom herself steps forward, publicly proclaiming her immense value and universal accessibility. She does not conceal herself but stands in prominent, public places—the high places, the crossroads, and the gates of the city—making her appeal to all humanity, not merely a select few. This public, universal call echoes and significantly expands upon Wisdom's initial public outcry in Proverbs 1:20-23, emphasizing her fervent desire for all people to choose the path of life, understanding, and righteousness, rather than the destructive path of ignorance and moral decay.
Historical & Cultural Context
The backdrop for Wisdom's public proclamation in Proverbs is the ancient Near Eastern city gate, a vital hub of social, legal, and commercial activity. In this cultural setting, the city gate was the primary location where justice was administered, business transactions were conducted, and important public announcements were made. For Wisdom to stand "at the gates" (Proverbs 8:3) signifies her accessibility to everyone—from the common laborer to the king—and underscores the public, authoritative, and universally relevant nature of her message. Her words are not secret teachings reserved for an elite few but universal truths intended for all who are willing to hear. The societal structure of the time highly valued elders and wise individuals who would offer counsel at such public forums, making Wisdom's self-presentation here culturally resonant as the ultimate, authoritative counselor, whose words carry weight and consequence for the entire community.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. The foremost theme is the imperative to listen (Hebrew: shamaʻ), which implies far more than mere auditory perception; it demands active attention, discerning engagement, and a profound willingness to obey. This theme is foundational to all instruction in Proverbs, urging a receptive and responsive heart. Secondly, the verse highlights the superiority and inherent integrity of Wisdom's counsel. Her promise to speak of "excellent things" (noble, princely matters) and "right things" (just, equitable, upright truths) underscores that her words are not trivial or superficial but deal with the very foundations of life, truth, and righteousness. This contrasts sharply with the deceptive and crooked paths of folly, which are frequently depicted as leading to destruction and moral compromise. Wisdom's words are portrayed as inherently trustworthy and leading to a straight path, aligning perfectly with the book's pervasive emphasis on righteous living and justice.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.). This opening imperative is far more than a simple auditory command; it is an urgent call to active and discerning attention, implying a readiness to receive, understand, and ultimately obey. It signifies a deep, engaged response to the message, recognizing its profound importance and demanding a change in behavior or perspective.
From נָגַד; a commander (as occupying the front), civil, military or religious; generally (abstractly, plural), honorable themes. This word suggests matters of high rank, profound importance, and inherent authority. Wisdom promises to speak of principles that are noble, princely, and foremost in value, not trivialities or superficialities, but foundational truths that govern existence and lead to true flourishing.
From יָשַׁר; evenness, i.e. (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e. (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adverbially). This term emphasizes the moral soundness, justice, and equity of Wisdom's words. Her counsel is not only deep and profound but also inherently upright, leading to a straight path and righteous conduct, directly contrasting with the crooked, deceptive ways of folly.
Verse Breakdown
"Hear;"
This is an immediate, direct, and urgent imperative, serving as a command to all who are within earshot. It is a call to humanity to pay close and discerning attention, signaling that what follows is of utmost importance and requires a receptive heart and mind. It implies not just passive listening, but active engagement, careful consideration, and a willingness to respond obediently to the instruction given.
"for I will speak of excellent things;"
This clause provides the compelling reason for the imperative to listen. Personified Wisdom promises to articulate matters of profound significance, nobility, and lasting value. Her discourse will not be trivial, superficial, or self-serving, but will delve into the foundational principles of life, truth, and righteousness—matters that are "princely" or "foremost" in their importance and inherent authority, offering guidance that leads to true flourishing.
"and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things."
This second clause further clarifies and reinforces the nature and quality of Wisdom's instruction. It assures the listener that her counsel is not only deep and weighty ("excellent things") but also inherently just, equitable, and morally sound. Her words are characterized by integrity, leading to a straight path and upright conduct, providing reliable and trustworthy guidance for navigating life's complexities and living righteeously.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 8:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Personification, where abstract Wisdom is given human attributes and actions, specifically the ability to speak directly and publicly to humanity. This transforms an abstract ideal into an active, inviting, and authoritative presence, making the concept of wisdom relatable and accessible. The verse also utilizes a powerful Imperative ("Hear"), which creates a sense of urgency and direct address, immediately drawing the listener into the discourse and demanding a response. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things") reinforces and elaborates on the first ("for I will speak of excellent things"). While "excellent things" points to the high quality, nobility, and significance of her message, "right things" emphasizes its moral integrity, justice, and rectitude, creating a comprehensive and trustworthy picture of Wisdom's profound instruction.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Proverbs 8:6 serves as a powerful testament to the divine origin and inherent truthfulness of God's wisdom, which is freely offered to humanity. It underscores the pervasive biblical emphasis on the critical importance of hearing and obeying God's voice, whether through His revealed Word in Scripture or the Person of Christ. The "excellent things" Wisdom speaks of are ultimately God's eternal truths and principles, which are foundational for all of creation and human flourishing. Her "right things" perfectly reflect God's own perfect righteousness and justice, providing an unwavering moral compass for life that contrasts sharply with the world's crooked and deceptive paths. This verse invites humanity into a relationship with the very source of all truth, promising guidance that leads to life, blessing, and genuine understanding, echoing the fundamental call to choose divine wisdom over human folly that permeates the entire book of Proverbs.
Reflection and Application
Proverbs 8:6 offers a profound challenge and a comforting assurance for contemporary life. In a world saturated with noise, conflicting ideologies, and fleeting trends, the imperative "Hear!" calls us to a deliberate posture of attentiveness towards divine wisdom. It reminds us that true guidance is not found in the clamor of popular opinion, the allure of self-serving philosophies, or the shifting sands of cultural norms, but in the profound, noble, and morally upright truths that transcend time and culture. To heed Wisdom's call means consciously choosing to prioritize God's Word as the ultimate source of truth, allowing its "excellent things" to shape our worldview, inform our decisions, and its "right things" to direct our conduct. This verse encourages us to cultivate a discerning heart, actively seeking out, meditating upon, and applying the principles that lead to genuine flourishing and righteous living, trusting that God's wisdom will always lead us on a straight, blessed, and life-giving path.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "excellent things" mean in this context?
In Proverbs 8:6, "excellent things" (Hebrew: nâgîyd) refers to matters of the highest quality, profound significance, and inherent nobility. It suggests that Wisdom speaks of principles and truths that are foremost, princely, and foundational, not trivial or superficial. These are truths that carry inherent authority and deal with the most important aspects of life, righteousness, and eternal reality. Wisdom's words are not just good, but the very best and most essential for human flourishing, guiding us towards what is truly valuable and enduring.
How does Wisdom's promise of "right things" relate to our daily lives?
Wisdom's promise that "the opening of my lips shall be right things" (Hebrew: mêyshâr) means her counsel is inherently just, equitable, and morally sound. In our daily lives, this translates to guidance that leads to integrity, fairness, and upright conduct. It means that following Wisdom's instruction will help us make choices that are morally correct, lead to harmonious relationships, and guide us on a "straight path," avoiding the crooked and deceptive ways that lead to harm. It provides a reliable moral compass for navigating complex situations and living a life pleasing to God, as highlighted in Proverbs 2:9.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Proverbs 8:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of the Wisdom that speaks in this passage, for Colossians 2:3 declares that in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," and 1 Corinthians 1:24 identifies Christ as "the power of God and the wisdom of God." When Wisdom in Proverbs 8:6 proclaims, "I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things," it perfectly foreshadows the teachings of Jesus. His words were indeed "excellent"—they were divine, authoritative, and revealed the deepest truths about God, humanity, and salvation, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount, where His teaching astonished the crowds with its authority (Matthew 7:28-29). Furthermore, His words were unequivocally "right things," perfectly righteous, just, and leading to the path of eternal life, as Peter confessed, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). Jesus is the living Word (John 1:1), and through Him, God has spoken the most excellent and right things to humanity, offering not just counsel but salvation and eternal life to all who hear and obey His voice, for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).