Proverbs 1:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:

NIV: on top of the wall she cries out, at the city gate she makes her speech:

NASB: At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she declares her sayings:

CSB: She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates:

NLT: She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate:

KJV: She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying,

NKJV: She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words:

This verse continues the picture begun in verse 20. Wisdom is crying out to all, in a public and busy place. Many, many people can hear her cries. The streets are busy, the gate is crowded, yet the people are going on about their business. Even though wisdom is available to them and calling out to them, they pass her by without notice (Proverbs 1:22). The imagery Solomon uses is no accident. A woman calling out in a busy public place will be seen and heard, essentially, by everyone in the community. Whether they are looking for her, or not, everyone will have to make a decision about her offer.

Spiritually speaking, no one has the excuse to claim they never had any opportunity to gain wisdom. This echoes other Scriptures which indicate that God will always give us enough knowledge to make the right decision (Romans 1:18–20; Matthew 7:7). The fact that we don't listen to wisdom is entirely our own fault. In the case of wisdom, even those not looking for "her" will have an opportunity to meet her. The only way one can completely avoid wisdom is by purposefully choosing to ignore it.

Proverbs 1:20–33 concludes the first chapter of Proverbs with the dire consequences of the behaviors defined in the previous section. Also, in this segment is the first personification of wisdom as a female. Throughout Proverbs, Solomon likens wisdom to a woman crying out. The theme is that she is not hiding but is out in the open for all to hear, even though she often goes overlooked.

Proverbs Chapter 1 provides a clear description of the purpose of the book. It is stated plainly who wrote the book, the lineage of Solomon, and to whom he was writing. Solomon gives four distinct purpose statements in the opening verses. The essence of these is to explain why he is writing the book as well as the source of his inspiration. Solomon concludes with a warning against sinfulness and a personal plea for his children to act wisely.

Proverbs Chapter 1 is clearly born out of Solomon’s life history. Solomon held himself back from no earthly pleasure, he had everything he could ever desire, and in the end he saw the foolishness of his actions. Chapter 1 is Solomon’s reflection on his own life, how he had all the wisdom of God available to him, and yet chose to follow after foolish desires. Other chapters detail the advice which this experience allows Solomon to give.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.