Proverbs 8:6

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 8:6 is a compelling invitation from personified Wisdom, urging listeners to pay close attention to her words. She promises counsel that is both profound and morally upright, setting the stage for the rest of chapter 8, where Wisdom elaborates on her eternal nature and benefits.

Context

This verse is part of a grand discourse in Proverbs chapter 8, where Wisdom herself speaks. Unlike the warnings against folly or the "strange woman" in earlier chapters, Wisdom here publicly proclaims her value and accessibility. She stands in prominent, public places—the high places, the crossroads, the gates of the city—making her appeal to all humanity, not just a select few. Her call in Proverbs 1:20-23 sets the stage for this extensive appeal, emphasizing her desire for people to choose life and understanding.

Key Themes

  • The Imperative to Listen: The command "Hear" underscores the vital importance of receiving Wisdom's instruction. It's an active call to attention, implying a need for discernment and a willingness to learn.
  • The Superiority of Wisdom's Counsel: Wisdom promises to "speak of excellent things." This refers to matters of profound significance, nobility, and lasting value. Her words are not trivial or superficial but deal with the very foundations of life, truth, and righteousness.
  • The Integrity and Truthfulness of Wisdom's Message: Her "opening of my lips shall be right things." This assures the listener that Wisdom's counsel is not only deep but also inherently just, equitable, and morally sound. It leads to a straight path and upright conduct, contrasting with the crooked ways of folly.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "excellent things" translates the Hebrew word nəgîdîm (נְגִידִים), which can mean "princely," "noble," or "foremost." It suggests that Wisdom speaks of matters of high rank, profound importance, and inherent authority. These are not merely good things, but the best and most foundational principles.
  • "Right things" comes from the Hebrew mêshārîm (מֵישָׁרִים), signifying "straightness," "equity," or "uprightness." It emphasizes that Wisdom's words are morally sound, just, and lead to a righteous path, providing reliable guidance for life. This aligns with the idea that wisdom guides one to equity and justice.

Practical Application

Proverbs 8:6 serves as a timeless reminder of the need to discern what voices we listen to. In a world full of conflicting messages and fleeting trends, this verse encourages us to actively seek out and prioritize divine wisdom. It teaches that true wisdom offers guidance that is both profound and morally upright, leading to a flourishing and righteous life. Just as James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, Proverbs 8:6 highlights God's readiness to provide it through His Word. By heeding the call of wisdom, we align ourselves with eternal truths and principles that transcend temporal circumstances.

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.

  • 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:
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