Proverbs 8:3-13

3 beside 1the gates in front of 2the town, at the entrance of the portals she cries aloud:
4 "To you, O 3men, I call, and my cry is to 4the children of man.
5 O 5simple ones, learn 6prudence; O 7fools, learn sense.
6 Hear, for I will speak 8noble things, and from my lips will come 9what is right,
7 for my 10mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; there is nothing 11twisted or crooked in them.
9 They are all 12straight to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge.
10 13Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 14for wisdom is better than jewels, and 15all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and 16discretion.
13 17The fear of the LORD is 18hatred of evil. 19Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and 20perverted speech I hate.

Proverbs 8:3-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 8

This chapter contains the instructions of Wisdom or Christ; showing the excellency of them, and the author of them, in opposition to the harlot and her allurements, in the preceding chapter. Christ, under the name of Wisdom, is represented as an herald, publishing the Gospel in the ministry of the word, either in person or by his servants, Pr 8:1. The places where this proclamation is made are described, Pr 8:2,3; the persons to whom, Pr 8:4,5. The excellency of the things delivered, being right things; truth, agreeably to the word of God, plain and easy to be understood, and of more worth than gold, silver, and precious stones, Pr 8:6-11. And then Wisdom, or Christ, is commended and recommended by his consummate prudence and knowledge, by his hatred of evil, and by his influence on the political affairs of kings and princes, Pr 8:12-16; and the advantages of those that are early seekers of him are pointed out; their enjoyment of his favour, of his riches, honour and righteousness; and their being led by him in right paths now, and inheriting eternal glory hereafter, Pr 8:17-21. And next follows an account of his existence from eternity as a divine Person, illustrated by a variety of phrases, Pr 8:22-29; and of his being with the Father; of his great affection for him, and complacency in him; and of Christ's wonderful delight and pleasure in the sons of men, Pr 8:30,31. And the chapter is concluded with an exhortation to them to hearken to his instructions; setting forth the happiness of those that wait on him in public ordinances, and find him; and the misery of those that hate and reject him.

Cross References 20

  • 1. Proverbs 1:21
  • 2. Job 29:7
  • 3. [Psalms 49:1, 2]
  • 4. [Psalms 49:1, 2]
  • 5. See Proverbs 1:4
  • 6. ver. 12
  • 7. [Proverbs 1:22]
  • 8. [Proverbs 22:20]
  • 9. Proverbs 23:16
  • 10. Psalms 37:30
  • 11. Deuteronomy 32:5
  • 12. [Proverbs 14:6; 1 Corinthians 2:10]
  • 13. ver. 19; Proverbs 3:14; Psalms 119:72, 127
  • 14. [Proverbs 16:16]; See Job 28:12-19
  • 15. Proverbs 3:15
  • 16. Proverbs 1:4
  • 17. [Proverbs 16:6]
  • 18. See Psalms 97:10
  • 19. [Proverbs 6:17; Proverbs 16:5]
  • 20. Proverbs 2:12; Proverbs 4:24
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.