Proverbs 8:6

KJV

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085}; for I will speak {H1696} of excellent things {H5057}; and the opening {H4669} of my lips {H8193} shall be right things {H4339}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Listen! I will say worthwhile things; when I speak, my words are right.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.

American Standard Version

Hear, for I will speak excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things.

Commentary

### 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](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Exalted Call"). This chapter marks a thematic crescendo in the book's opening instructional section ([Proverbs 1-9](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Beginning of Knowledge")), 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](/proverbs/1-20-23 "Proverbs 1:20-23 - Wisdom's Public Proclamation"), 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](/proverbs/8-3 "Proverbs 8:3 - Wisdom Cries Out at the Gates")) 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](/proverbs/2-9 "Proverbs 2:9 - Wisdom Guides to Equity and Justice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** H8085, 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.
* **excellent things (Hebrew, _nâgîyd'_):** H5057, 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.
* **right things (Hebrew, _mêyshâr'_):** H4339, 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.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") - The foundational command to "Hear, O Israel" underscores the biblical imperative to listen attentively and obediently to God's voice.
* [Psalm 19:7-8](/psalm/19-7-8 "Psalm 19:7-8 - The Perfection and Righteousness of God's Law") - This psalm extols the law of the Lord as perfect, trustworthy, and right, aligning perfectly with Wisdom's promise of "right things" and the uprightness of divine instruction.
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom") - This New Testament passage encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, affirming God's readiness to generously impart it to those who seek it with a sincere heart.

### 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
* **What voices or sources of information do I primarily "hear" and prioritize in my daily life, and how do they align with divine wisdom?**
* **How does the "excellent" and "right" nature of God's wisdom contrast with the counsel I often encounter in the world, and how should this influence my choices?**
* **In what specific areas of my life—personal, professional, relational—do I most need to apply the "right things" of God's wisdom?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a more attentive and obedient heart towards divine wisdom, moving beyond mere hearing to genuine application?**

### FAQ
**What does "excellent things" mean in this context?**

Answer: 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?**

Answer: 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](/proverbs/2-9 "Proverbs 2:9 - Wisdom Guides to Equity").

### 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](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge") declares that in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge," and [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God") 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](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - The Authority of Jesus' Teaching")). 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 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession of Jesus' Words of Eternal Life")" ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession of Jesus' Words of Eternal Life")). Jesus is the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word was God")), 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 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life") ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

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

Colossians 1:26

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Proverbs 23:16

Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

Matthew 7:28

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Matthew 7:29

For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes.

Proverbs 4:2

For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

Psalms 49:3

My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding.

1 Corinthians 2:6

¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: