Proverbs 8:7

KJV

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.

KJV (with Strong's)

For my mouth {H2441} shall speak {H1897} truth {H571}; and wickedness {H7562} is an abomination {H8441} to my lips {H8193}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My mouth says what is true, because my lips detest evil.

Berean Standard Bible

For my mouth will speak the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.

American Standard Version

For my mouth shall utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 8:7 presents Lady Wisdom, personified as a divine figure, making a profound declaration about her inherent nature and the character of her words. She proclaims that her speech is unequivocally true and reliable, serving as a foundation for all righteous understanding. Simultaneously, she expresses an absolute and visceral rejection of wickedness, asserting that anything contrary to truth and righteousness is utterly detestable to her very being and utterance. This verse underscores the purity, integrity, and moral authority of divine wisdom, contrasting sharply with the deceit and corruption prevalent in the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 8:7 is situated within a lengthy and eloquent monologue by Lady Wisdom, spanning the entirety of [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call and Excellence"). This chapter serves as a climactic appeal following earlier warnings against Folly and calls to embrace wisdom. Unlike the clandestine and deceptive invitations of the adulteress or "strange woman" described in earlier chapters (e.g., [Proverbs 7](/proverbs/7 "The Allure of the Adulteress")), Wisdom cries out publicly and boldly at the city gates, crossroads, and high places (e.g., [Proverbs 8:1-3](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-3 - Wisdom's Public Call")). Her open declaration of truth and abhorrence of wickedness in [Proverbs 8:7](/proverbs/8-7 "Proverbs 8:7 - Wisdom's Truthful Speech") establishes the unimpeachable integrity of her message, inviting all who listen to trust her counsel and embrace a life of righteousness. The verse reinforces the contrast between the clarity and purity of Wisdom's words and the deceitful, destructive nature of Folly's speech.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs, part of the broader wisdom literature of the ancient Near East, reflects the Israelite understanding of wisdom as both practical skill for living and profound theological insight into the order of creation. In ancient Israelite society, speech was highly valued and understood to have significant power, capable of building up or tearing down, revealing truth or spreading deception. The emphasis on the mouth and lips in [Proverbs 8:7](/proverbs/8-7 "Proverbs 8:7 - Wisdom's Truthful Speech") highlights the societal importance placed on verbal integrity. Concepts like "truth" (`'emeth`) were not merely about factual accuracy but encompassed reliability, faithfulness, and moral uprightness, reflecting the character of God Himself. "Abomination" (`tôwʻêbah`) was a strong term used to denote practices or attitudes utterly detestable to God and His covenant people, often associated with idolatry, injustice, and moral perversion, underscoring the severity of Wisdom's rejection of wickedness.

* **Key Themes:** [Proverbs 8:7](/proverbs/8-7 "Proverbs 8:7 - Wisdom's Truthful Speech") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Proverbs and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **unwavering truthfulness and reliability of divine wisdom**. Wisdom's words are not fleeting opinions but steadfast truths, reflecting the very nature of God, who is truth (cf. [Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "Psalm 119:160 - God's Word is Truth")). Secondly, the verse highlights Wisdom's **absolute rejection of wickedness**, portraying it as something morally repugnant and utterly incompatible with her essence. This emphasizes the stark moral dichotomy presented throughout Proverbs, where wisdom leads to righteousness and folly to destruction (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord")). Thirdly, it speaks to the **integrity of speech**, setting a divine standard for communication that is pure, honest, and free from deceit or evil. This theme resonates with the frequent exhortations in Proverbs regarding the power and proper use of the tongue (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue")). Finally, the verse reinforces the idea that true wisdom is not merely intellectual but profoundly **moral and ethical**, guiding one towards a life characterized by purity and righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mouth (Hebrew, _chêk'_):** Derived from a root suggesting tasting, `chêk` primarily refers to the palate or the inside of the mouth. By extension, it signifies the mouth itself as the organ of speech, taste, and even kissing. In [Proverbs 8:7](/proverbs/8-7 "Proverbs 8:7 - Wisdom's Truthful Speech"), its use emphasizes that Wisdom's utterances originate from her very core, suggesting an intrinsic connection between her being and the truth she proclaims. It highlights the physical instrument through which her pure message is delivered.
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** Contracted from a root meaning "to be firm" or "to be reliable," `ʼemeth` denotes stability, certainty, and trustworthiness. It encompasses not only factual accuracy but also faithfulness, reliability, and moral integrity. When Wisdom declares her mouth speaks `ʼemeth`, she is asserting that her words are steadfast, dependable, and embody the very essence of reality and moral uprightness. Her counsel is not subject to change or deception but is eternally grounded.
* **Abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This strong feminine active participle signifies something morally disgusting or abhorrent. In the Old Testament, `tôwʻêbah` is frequently used for practices or things that are utterly detestable to God, such as idolatry, sexual perversions, or dishonest dealings (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:12](/deuteronomy/18-12 "Deuteronomy 18:12 - Abominable Practices")). Its application here to "wickedness" on Wisdom's lips conveys a profound and absolute moral revulsion. It is not merely a dislike but an intense, visceral rejection of anything false, evil, or unrighteous, indicating that wickedness is fundamentally contrary to Wisdom's nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For my mouth shall speak truth":** This clause establishes the positive affirmation of Wisdom's character. The "mouth" (`chêk`) is the organ of speech, emphasizing that her declarations are direct and unadulterated. The verb "speak" (`hâgâh`) can mean to murmur, ponder, or utter, suggesting a deliberate and deeply considered articulation. "Truth" (`ʼemeth`) signifies not just factual accuracy but also reliability, faithfulness, and moral integrity. Thus, Wisdom's every utterance is inherently trustworthy, stable, and morally upright, reflecting her divine origin and perfect nature. Her words are the very embodiment of reality and righteousness.
* **"and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips":** This second clause functions as a powerful antithesis, defining Wisdom by what she utterly rejects. "Wickedness" (`reshaʻ`) refers to active evil, unrighteousness, and godlessness—the antithesis of truth and righteousness. The term "abomination" (`tôwʻêbah`) is one of the strongest words in the Hebrew Bible for something utterly detestable, morally repugnant, and offensive, especially to God. The phrase "to my lips" (`sâphâh`) reinforces the idea that such evil speech or content is utterly repulsive and would never be uttered by Wisdom. It highlights her absolute moral purity and her uncompromising stance against all forms of evil.

#### Literary Devices
[Proverbs 8:7](/proverbs/8-7 "Proverbs 8:7 - Wisdom's Truthful Speech") employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where abstract Wisdom is given human attributes—a mouth and lips that speak and abhor. This makes the concept of wisdom relatable and vivid, allowing her to declare her own nature and values directly. **Antithesis** is also central, as the verse sharply contrasts "truth" with "wickedness," and what Wisdom speaks with what she finds abominable. This juxtaposition highlights the irreconcilable difference between righteousness and evil, emphasizing Wisdom's clear moral discernment. Furthermore, the use of "abomination" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, conveying an extreme degree of revulsion. It is not merely that wickedness is disliked, but it is utterly detestable, emphasizing the profound moral purity of Wisdom and the severity of her rejection of evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 8:7 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's character and the nature of divine revelation. Just as Wisdom's mouth speaks truth and abhors wickedness, so too is God Himself the ultimate source of truth, incapable of falsehood or evil. His word is pure, reliable, and eternally steadfast, forming the very foundation of reality and moral order. This verse underscores the ethical dimension of wisdom, demonstrating that true knowledge is inextricably linked to righteousness and a rejection of all that is contrary to God's holy nature. It sets a standard for all who seek wisdom: to align their speech and their lives with truth, mirroring the divine character.

* [Psalm 119:160](/psalms/119-160 "The Sum of Your Word is Truth")
* [Titus 1:2](/titus/1-2 "God, Who Cannot Lie")
* [Ephesians 4:25](/ephesians/4-25 "Speak Truth to Your Neighbor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 8:7 serves as a powerful call to align our own speech and moral compass with the unwavering standards of divine Wisdom. In a world often characterized by deceit, misinformation, and moral relativism, this verse challenges us to cultivate a profound commitment to truthfulness in all our communications. It urges us to not only speak what is factually accurate but also to embody integrity, reliability, and faithfulness in our words, reflecting the very character of God. Furthermore, Wisdom's absolute abhorrence of wickedness compels us to actively shun and reject speech that is false, malicious, slanderous, or corrupt. This includes gossip, manipulative language, and any words that sow discord or promote injustice. Embracing this principle means allowing the purity of Wisdom to shape our inner thoughts and outward expressions, ensuring our lips do not give voice to anything that is an "abomination" to God. It calls us to be agents of truth and righteousness in our spheres of influence, discerning clearly between good and evil, and letting our words build up, enlighten, and reflect the divine order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do my words fall short of reflecting truth and integrity?**
* **What forms of "wickedness" in speech (e.g., gossip, slander, deception) do I need to actively reject and cleanse from my lips?**
* **How can I more intentionally cultivate a habit of speaking truth in love, even when it is difficult?**
* **How does Wisdom's absolute rejection of wickedness challenge my own tolerance for unrighteousness in thought, word, or deed?**

### FAQ
**Who is Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 8, and is she a divine being?**

Answer: Lady Wisdom in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - Wisdom's Call and Excellence") is a powerful personification of wisdom, depicted as a divine figure who existed with God from the beginning of creation (e.g., [Proverbs 8:22-31](/proverbs/8-22 "Proverbs 8:22-31 - Wisdom's Role in Creation")). While not explicitly God Himself, she embodies the attributes and character of God, particularly His ordering principle and moral purity. Theologically, many Christian scholars see Lady Wisdom as a prefigurement or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is later revealed as the ultimate embodiment of God's wisdom (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Her divine qualities and role in creation point to a figure intimately connected with the Godhead.

**Why is "wickedness" described as an "abomination" to Wisdom's lips?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (`tôwʻêbah` in Hebrew) is a very strong word in the Old Testament, signifying something utterly detestable, morally repugnant, or offensive to God. It is often used for practices that violate God's covenant and moral law, such as idolatry, child sacrifice, or dishonest weights (e.g., [Deuteronomy 18:9-12](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-12 - Abominable Practices") or [Proverbs 11:1](/proverbs/11-1 "Proverbs 11:1 - Dishonest Scales are an Abomination")). When Wisdom declares wickedness an "abomination to my lips," it means that anything false, unrighteous, or evil is fundamentally contrary to her pure nature. She cannot and will not utter or tolerate it. This emphasizes her absolute moral purity and her uncompromising stance against all forms of sin and deceit, highlighting the severe incompatibility between divine wisdom and human wickedness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 8:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's wisdom, the "power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). Just as Lady Wisdom declares, "my mouth shall speak truth," Jesus Himself proclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). His every word was truth, revealing the Father and the divine will without blemish or error ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, the declaration that "wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips" perfectly describes Christ's character. He was without sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). He perfectly rejected all forms of wickedness, not only in His speech but in His actions and very being, culminating in His atoning sacrifice that dealt with the abomination of sin once and for all ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ Appeared to Put Away Sin")). Therefore, in Christ, we see the living, breathing, and saving reality of Wisdom's declaration, offering us access to truth and deliverance from wickedness through His perfect life and redemptive work.

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

Psalms 37:30

The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

John 8:14

Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, [yet] my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

John 17:17

¶ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Proverbs 12:22

¶ Lying lips [are] abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly [are] his delight.

Proverbs 29:27

¶ An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

John 8:45

And because I tell [you] the truth, ye believe me not.

John 8:46

¶ Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?