Proverbs 9:3

She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

She hath sent forth {H7971} her maidens {H5291}: she crieth {H7121} upon {H1610} the highest places {H4791} of the city {H7176},

She has sent out her young girls [with invitations]; she calls from the heights of the city,

She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city.

She hath sent forth her maidens; She crieth upon the highest places of the city:

Commentary

Proverbs 9:3 is part of a vivid poetic section in the Book of Proverbs, where wisdom is personified as a noble woman, Lady Wisdom. This verse describes her active and public invitation to all who will listen.

Context

Chapter 9 of Proverbs presents a stark contrast between two women: Lady Wisdom (verses 1-12) and Lady Folly (verses 13-18). In the preceding verses (Proverbs 9:1-2), Lady Wisdom is depicted as having built her house, prepared a feast, and mingled her wine. Verse 3 continues this imagery, showing her actively extending the invitation. Her actions here parallel and expand upon the earlier descriptions of wisdom's public call found in Proverbs 1:20-21, where she "crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets."

Key Themes

  • Wisdom's Active Proclamation: Lady Wisdom doesn't wait to be found; she proactively sends out her messengers ("her maidens") and calls out herself. This signifies that divine wisdom is not obscure or hidden, but openly offered to humanity.
  • Public and Accessible Invitation: The phrase "she crieth upon the highest places of the city" emphasizes that wisdom's call is made from a prominent, visible, and audible location. It's a universal invitation, accessible to everyone within earshot, regardless of social standing or location within the city. This contrasts sharply with secret, deceptive appeals.
  • Divine Grace: The eagerness and openness with which Wisdom invites others highlights a gracious aspect of God's character, desiring that people would turn to understanding and life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "crieth" is qara' (ืงึธืจึธื), which means to call out, proclaim, or summon. It denotes a loud, public declaration, not a quiet whisper. The "highest places of the city" (ืžึฐืจื•ึนืžึตื™ ืขึดื™ืจ - meromey 'ir) refers to elevated points, such as city gates, watchtowers, or prominent public squares, from which a message could be heard by the largest number of people. This reinforces the idea of wisdom's widespread availability and urgent appeal in ancient urban settings.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that wisdom, particularly godly wisdom, is not a secret doctrine reserved for a select few. It is openly proclaimed and readily available to all who genuinely seek it. We are encouraged to heed this public call, recognizing that true wisdom leads to life and understanding. Just as Lady Wisdom sends her maidens, believers today are called to share the wisdom of God's Word, making its truths known in accessible ways to a world in need of guidance. This echoes the biblical mandate to go and make disciples, proclaiming truth openly.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 9:14

    For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

  • Proverbs 8:1

    ยถ Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?

  • Proverbs 8:3

    She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

  • Matthew 22:3

    And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

  • Matthew 22:4

    Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and [my] fatlings [are] killed, and all things [are] ready: come unto the marriage.

  • Psalms 68:11

    The Lord gave the word: great [was] the company of those that published [it].

  • Proverbs 1:20

    ยถ Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:
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