Proverbs 9:3

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 9:3 vividly portrays Lady Wisdom as an active and zealous host, extending a wide and public invitation to all who would receive her. Having meticulously prepared a lavish feast in her newly constructed house, she dispatches her young female attendants as heralds and personally cries out from the most prominent vantage points within the city, ensuring her gracious call to understanding, life, and spiritual nourishment is heard by every inhabitant. This verse powerfully underscores the accessibility, urgency, and divine initiative inherent in wisdom's offer to humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 9 serves as a climactic and summarizing conclusion to the foundational introductory section of the book (Proverbs 1-9), which primarily consists of a father's earnest exhortations to his son to embrace divine wisdom and resolutely shun the path of folly. This pivotal chapter dramatically personifies two antithetical forces: Lady Wisdom (presented in [Proverbs 9:1-12](/proverbs/9-1-12 "Proverbs 9:1-12 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation")) and Lady Folly (depicted in [Proverbs 9:13-18](/proverbs/9-13-18 "Proverbs 9:13-18 - Lady Folly's Deception")). The verses immediately preceding, [Proverbs 9:1-2](/proverbs/9-1-2 "Proverbs 9:1-2 - Lady Wisdom's Preparations"), meticulously detail Lady Wisdom's elaborate preparations: building her magnificent house, hewing her seven foundational pillars, slaughtering her beasts for the feast, mingling her wine, and furnishing her table. Verse 3 seamlessly continues this vivid imagery, shifting focus to her active and widespread outreach, depicting her dispatching messengers and personally proclaiming her invitation. This proactive stance echoes the earlier portrayal of wisdom's public, persistent cry in [Proverbs 1:20-21](/proverbs/1-20-21 "Proverbs 1:20-21 - Wisdom Cries Aloud in the Streets"), establishing a consistent and powerful theme of wisdom's open availability and insistent call throughout this introductory section. The stark contrast with Lady Folly's deceptive, secretive, and ultimately destructive invitation in the latter half of the chapter amplifies the moral and existential choice presented to the reader.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near Eastern urban landscape, public proclamation was an indispensable and highly effective method of communication. Significant announcements, royal decrees, or formal invitations were customarily made from elevated and strategically chosen locations such as city gates, watchtowers, or prominent public squares. These "highest places of the city" (often referring to the city gates, which served as vibrant centers of commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction) ensured maximum audibility and visibility to the entire populace. The practice of dispatching "maidens" (young women) as messengers was also a recognized and respectable custom, indicating a formal, intentional, and often gracious invitation. This rich cultural backdrop profoundly emphasizes that Lady Wisdom's call is not a private, esoteric whisper or a clandestine appeal, but a public, unmistakable, and widely accessible declaration, standing in stark opposition to the alluring yet illicit and hidden calls of false teachers or immoral figures. The imagery powerfully draws upon the familiar urban landscape and established social customs of the time to convey the widespread, earnest, and urgent nature of divine wisdom's appeal to every individual within the city.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 9:3 significantly contributes to and reinforces several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs, particularly within its introductory chapters. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **Wisdom's Active and Universal Proclamation**. Lady Wisdom is depicted not as a passive entity waiting to be discovered, but as an energetic and proactive force; she actively pursues humanity, sending out her representatives and personally calling out. This dynamic portrayal signifies that divine wisdom is not an obscure secret reserved for an elite few or an abstract philosophical concept, but an openly offered, gracious, and accessible gift. Secondly, the verse highlights the profound theme of the **Accessibility of Truth and Life**. By crying "upon the highest places of the city," wisdom's invitation is broadcast from a prominent, visible, and audible location, ensuring its reach to everyone within earshot, regardless of their social standing, economic status, or specific location within the urban environment. This stands in sharp contrast to the deceptive, hidden, and often clandestine appeals of folly. Thirdly, and subtly yet profoundly, it points to **Divine Grace and Initiative**. The eagerness, openness, and comprehensive nature with which Wisdom invites others reflect a fundamental aspect of God's character—His benevolent desire that all people would turn to understanding, embrace righteousness, and experience genuine life, rather than perish in ignorance or self-deception. This theme resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's persistent and gracious call to humanity, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - God's Invitation to the Thirsty") and [John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Open Invitation to the Thirsty").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent forth (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, a primitive root meaning "to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications); to dispatch, commission, or release." In this context, it denotes a deliberate, purposeful, and authoritative act of dispatching or commissioning her maidens. This emphasizes Lady Wisdom's active initiative and strategic intent in extending her invitation, implying a formal and intentional outreach that covers a wide scope.
* **crieth (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, a primitive root meaning "to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); to proclaim, summon, or invite." This word signifies a loud, public, and urgent declaration, far from a quiet whisper. It conveys the idea of a direct, unmistakable appeal, demanding attention and response, much like a herald proclaiming a royal decree or a prophet delivering a divine message. It underscores the urgency and clarity of the invitation.
* **highest places (Hebrew, _mârôwm'_):** From H4791, meaning "altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation), figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)." When combined with H1610 (gaph, meaning "back" or "body," here used idiomatically for "highest places" or "elevated points"), it refers to prominent, elevated points within the city such as watchtowers, city gates, or public squares. These were locations from which a message could be heard and seen by the largest number of people, underscoring the public, universal, and inescapable nature of Wisdom's call.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"She hath sent forth her maidens":** This initial clause powerfully highlights Lady Wisdom's proactive, organized, and strategic approach to inviting guests to her feast. The "maidens" (H5291, _naʻărâh_, meaning "a girl from infancy to adolescence," or "damsel, maiden") serve as her trusted emissaries, formally extending the invitation to the lavish feast she has meticulously prepared. This deliberate act of dispatching demonstrates her earnest desire to gather people to herself, showcasing her divine initiative and the thoughtful, widespread nature of her outreach. It suggests that wisdom is not merely available for those who stumble upon it, but actively seeks out and pursues those who might be receptive to her life-giving message.
* **"she crieth upon the highest places of the city,"**: This second clause emphatically underscores the public, prominent, and urgent nature of Lady Wisdom's personal appeal. By crying out from the "highest places" (H1610, _gaph_, and H4791, _mârôwm_)—elevated and highly visible points within the urban landscape—she ensures that her voice carries far and wide, reaching every corner of the city. This signifies that the invitation to wisdom is neither exclusive nor hidden, but is openly and universally proclaimed for all to hear, regardless of their station or location. The very act of "crying" (H7121, _qârâʼ_) implies a loud, clear, persistent, and compelling call, underscoring both the profound importance and the undeniable accessibility of her message to every single inhabitant of the city.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 9:3 is rich in **literary devices** that enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent device is **Personification**, where the abstract concept of Wisdom is vividly embodied as "Lady Wisdom," a noble, active, and hospitable woman. This allows for a relatable and compelling depiction of wisdom's inherent characteristics and actions, transforming a complex theological concept into an accessible and engaging figure. The description of her dispatching "maidens" and personally crying out from "the highest places of the city" employs powerful **Imagery**, painting a vibrant mental picture of a bustling ancient urban scene and a public, urgent summons. This imagery effectively conveys the widespread and unmistakable nature of wisdom's invitation. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** that runs throughout Proverbs 9, as Lady Wisdom's open, life-giving, and gracious call is strategically positioned against Lady Folly's deceptive, hidden, and ultimately death-leading enticement. The structural **Parallelism** between sending out her maidens and personally crying out reinforces the dual and comprehensive nature of wisdom's outreach—both through her agents and through her own direct, impassioned appeal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 9:3 powerfully articulates the divine initiative in offering wisdom and life to humanity. Lady Wisdom's active sending of her maidens and her public cry from the city's highest points illustrate that God's truth is not hidden or exclusive but is openly proclaimed and accessible to all who will hear. This proactive outreach profoundly reflects God's gracious and benevolent character, His deep desire for all people to come to a knowledge of the truth and experience genuine, abundant life. It underscores the foundational biblical principle that salvation, understanding, and spiritual flourishing are not earned through human striving or intellectual prowess alone, but are offered freely through divine invitation and grace. This verse serves as a profound theological precursor to the New Testament's portrayal of God's universal call through the gospel, emphasizing His persistent, loving pursuit of humanity.

* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - God's Invitation to the Thirsty")
* [Matthew 22:3-4](/matthew/22-3-4 "Matthew 22:3-4 - The Parable of the Wedding Feast Invitation")
* [Revelation 22:17](/revelation/22-17 "Revelation 22:17 - The Spirit and the Bride Say, 'Come!'")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 9:3 presents a compelling and deeply encouraging image of divine wisdom actively seeking us out, rather than passively waiting to be discovered. This profound truth should fundamentally shape our perspective on both personal spiritual growth and our role in evangelism. Just as Lady Wisdom extends a public, urgent, and universal invitation, so too is God's truth openly available, and His call persistently echoes in our lives. We are powerfully reminded that wisdom is not an esoteric secret reserved for an elite few, but a gracious gift offered freely to all, beckoning us to a life of profound understanding, righteousness, and spiritual vitality. This truth calls us to cultivate a posture of deep receptivity, to listen intently and discern wisdom's clear cry amidst the overwhelming clamor and competing voices of the world. Furthermore, as recipients of this transformative divine wisdom, we are called to emulate Lady Wisdom's proactive and generous spirit. We are, in a very real sense, to be her "maidens" and "messengers," extending the invitation of God's truth to others, proclaiming the gospel openly, accessibly, and compellingly within our own spheres of influence. Our lives, transformed by the wisdom we have received, should become a clear and compelling reflection of its appeal to a world desperately in need of true guidance and eternal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I tend to perceive wisdom as "hidden" or "inaccessible," and how does the active portrayal of Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 9:3 challenge that perception?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater receptivity to the "cry" of wisdom in my daily life, intentionally distinguishing it from the many other voices competing for my attention and allegiance?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can I, like Lady Wisdom's maidens, "send forth" the invitation of God's truth and the gospel to those within my relational networks and community?**
* **What "highest places" (referring to prominent platforms, unique opportunities, or influential positions) has God graciously given me from which to share His transformative wisdom with others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Lady Wisdom sending "her maidens" and crying out herself?**

Answer: The dual action of sending "her maidens" and personally "crying out" from the "highest places of the city" profoundly emphasizes the comprehensive, earnest, and public nature of Lady Wisdom's invitation. Sending maidens signifies a formal, organized, and widespread distribution of the invitation, ensuring that it reaches a broad audience and is recognized as a legitimate summons. Her personal cry, made from the most visible and audible points in the city, underscores the urgency, public visibility, and directness of the appeal. It means that divine wisdom is not merely available through intermediaries but is also directly and passionately offered by wisdom herself, ensuring that no one can legitimately claim ignorance of her compelling call. This dual approach highlights wisdom's relentless and multifaceted pursuit of those who would embrace her, demonstrating her desire for all to partake in her life-giving feast.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 9:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Lady Wisdom, so vividly personified in Proverbs, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is explicitly declared to be "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")) and in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom All Wisdom Dwells")). Just as Lady Wisdom built her house and meticulously prepared a lavish feast, Jesus established His church, the spiritual house of God, and offers Himself as the true "Bread of Life" and "Living Water," inviting all who are spiritually hungry and thirsty to partake in the eternal spiritual nourishment He alone provides ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") and [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty")). The imagery of Lady Wisdom sending her maidens and personally crying out from the highest places finds its direct parallel and perfect realization in Jesus' earthly ministry. He sent out His disciples, first the twelve and then the seventy-two, to proclaim the good news of the kingdom ([Matthew 10:7](/matthew/10-7 "Matthew 10:7 - Jesus Sends Out His Disciples"); [Luke 10:1](/luke/10-1 "Luke 10:1 - Jesus Sends Out the Seventy-Two")), and He Himself publicly proclaimed the kingdom of God, teaching openly in synagogues, on hillsides, by the Sea of Galilee, and within the temple courts. He often cried out to the crowds, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink!" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Public Invitation")). His invitation was never secretive or exclusive but was offered freely and publicly to all, from the "highest places" of Jerusalem's temple to the dusty roads of Galilee, culminating in His Great Commission to "go and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")). Thus, the active, public, and gracious invitation of Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 9:3 serves as a profound and beautiful foreshadowing of the incarnate Wisdom of God, Jesus Christ, who relentlessly calls humanity to Himself for eternal life, saving truth, and ultimate salvation.

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

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

¶ 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

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