Proverbs 8:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,

NIV: Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.

NASB: Listen, for I will speak noble things; And the opening of my lips will reveal right things.

CSB: Listen, for I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right.

NLT: Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right,

KJV: Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

NKJV: Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things;

Mankind is openly invited, by wisdom, to heed what she says (Proverbs 8:1–4). Her words dispense teachings described using the word ne'ged, most literally meaning something strongly contrasted or clear. In practice, the term is applied to leaders, rulers, and those otherwise "above" their peers in some way. That clarity, superiority, and connection to that which is morally "prudent" (Proverbs 8:5) results in the typical English translation of "noble."

Parallel to that, wisdom's words are depicted as truth, and will be contrasted to speech which is "crooked" (Proverbs 8:8).

The Bible is the only infallible source of wisdom about God, the world around us, ourselves, heaven and hell, the way to God, personal relationships, and how to live a truly meaningful life. Science may impart knowledge on many topics, but the Bible imparts eternal truths. Further, whatever biblical wisdom imparts is true. It is "breathed out by God" (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6). In His high priestly prayer Jesus asked the Father to sanctify believers in the truth. He added, "Your word is truth" (John 17:17). The Bible presents words that are faultless. Joshua told Israel, "You know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the LORD your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed" (Joshua 23:14).

Proverbs 8:1–11 comes immediately after a potent warning about a promiscuous, seductive woman. Here, Solomon again presents a woman, this time as wisdom personified (Proverbs 1:20). She calls from everywhere to men to learn prudence and sense. She cites the value of learning from her. Her words are noble, right, true, righteous, and honest. Wisdom is far greater than silver, choice gold, jewels, and everything else that can be compared with her.

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.