Proverbs 8:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.

NIV: "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

NASB: 'I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And I find knowledge and discretion.

CSB: I, wisdom, share a home with shrewdness and have knowledge and discretion.

NLT: 'I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.

KJV: I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

NKJV: “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, And find out knowledge and discretion.

In this verse wisdom is linked to a specific set of virtues: prudence, knowledge, and discretion. These are also mentioned in Proverbs 1:4.

"Prudence" is from a Hebrew word meaning sense and shrewdness. In verse 5, this was contrasted with someone gullible or naïve (Proverbs 8:5). "Knowledge," in the book of Proverbs, means information that's been learned and retained: an accumulation of facts. "Discretion" is from a Hebrew word implying purpose, discretion, or planning; the term is closely related to "wisdom," which is a capacity to make godly decisions based on knowledge.

The secular world may tout its intelligence by pointing to scientific inventions like smart phones and satellites, but the Lord gives His people discretion to know the meaning of life and the will of God (1 Corinthians 2:14). Further, those who know Christ, the source of wisdom, know God personally and perceive what his plan is for the future. Believers also have a God-directed potential to make more responsible decisions. They can choose between right and wrong and even between what is good and what is best. In Ephesians 5:15–17 Paul exhorts: "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."

Proverbs 8:12–21 records more words from the personification of wisdom. She speaks about the value she imparts to those who find her. Contrary to what the adulterous woman of Proverbs 7 offers—poverty and disgrace—wisdom offers true riches, honor, and an inheritance.

In this passage, wisdom is once again imagined as a woman who cries out to be heard (Proverbs 1:20–21). Wisdom extols her own truth and value. Wisdom was part of God's creative power long before even the creation of the universe. The chapter again returns to the many benefits of godly wisdom, before completing those declarations at the start of the next chapter.

Thus far in Proverbs, Solomon has spoken about the virtues of wisdom and the need to acquire it and live by it. He has also warned about the dangers of rejecting wisdom. Chapter 7 ended with a description of a promiscuous woman seducing a foolish young man. Now, in chapter 8, he lets wisdom speak, once again personified as a woman. She speaks about her existence before creation and her gift of life to all who find her. This analogy continues into chapter 9.

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.