Proverbs 1:20-22
Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Wisdom isn't shy; the text emphasizes she cries outdoors, in public marketplaces, contrasting with the secret, sly enticements of folly. This highlights that true wisdom is accessible and openly available, not hidden away for an elite few.
After warning about the seductive calls of wicked companions, the author shifts to personify Wisdom, depicting her as boldly proclaiming her message in public spaces like streets and marketplaces. This public call stands in direct contrast to the secretive plotting of the wicked, emphasizing that Wisdom's ways are open and accessible to all who will listen.
Ever feel like wisdom is hiding, only accessible to a select few? Proverbs 1:20 paints a very different picture.
This verse personifies Wisdom, giving her a powerful voice that can't be ignored. She isn't whispering in a secluded corner; she's crying aloud in the busiest public spaces – the streets and markets. This isn't a quiet suggestion; it's an urgent, open proclamation.
This imagery highlights a few key things:
When God speaks, He uses every means available. Proverbs 1:20 hints at just how diverse Wisdom's 'voice' can be.
The original Hebrew uses a plural word for 'wisdom,' suggesting not just one kind, but a fullness and variety of wisdom. This isn't just abstract knowledge; it's practical, life-giving insight that manifests in many ways.
Consider where and how Wisdom speaks:
Understand the original words
chokmah · Hebrew Noun
The practical application of divine truth, moral integrity, and the fear of the Lord. In Proverbs, she is personified as a feminine figure who invites humanity to live according to God's order.
pĕthiy · Hebrew Noun
In Proverbs, this refers to those who lack moral discernment and spiritual maturity. They are easily influenced and prone to folly because they have not yet committed themselves to the pursuit of wisdom.
lēts · Hebrew Noun
An attitude of arrogant pride and cynicism, characterized by mocking God, His word, or wisdom. Scoffers are willfully antagonistic toward truth and often beyond the reach of correction.
kĕsiyl · Hebrew Noun
Jesus directly quotes this passage, applying the personified 'Wisdom' to Himself, highlighting that divine wisdom was actively calling out to people through Him.
1 Corinthians 1:24Paul refers to Christ as 'the power of God and the wisdom of God,' echoing the idea that divine wisdom is not an abstract concept but a person making His presence known.
Jeremiah 7:25-26This passage describes God repeatedly sending prophets to His people, who 'cried aloud' but were ignored, paralleling wisdom's persistent public call that can be rejected.
Matthew 23:37Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, 'how often would I have gathered your children together... and you were not willing,' beautifully illustrates wisdom's desire to gather and protect, meeting rejection.
clarkeProverbs 1:20: "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:"
Wisdom crieth - Here wisdom is again personified, as it is frequently, throughout this book; where nothing is meant but the teachings given to man, either by Divine revelation or the voice of the Holy Spirit in the heart. And this voice of wisdom is opposed to the seducing language of the wicked mentioned above. This voice is everywhere heard, in public, in private, in the streets, and in the house. Common sense, uni…
ellicottProverbs 1:20: "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:"
(b) Second Discourse: — Wisdom Addresses her Despisers ( Proverbs 1:20-33 ). (20) Wisdom.—The form of the Hebrew term (chokhmôth) has been taken for an abstract singular noun, but probably it is the plural of chokhmah (Proverbs 1:2), signifying the multiform excellences of wisdom. It is possible that Solomon may have originally meant in this passage only to describe, in highly poetic language, the influence and work…
Wisdom isn't shy; the text emphasizes she cries outdoors, in public marketplaces, contrasting with the secret, sly enticements of folly. This highlights that true wisdom is accessible and openly available, not hidden away for an elite few.
After warning about the seductive calls of wicked companions, the author shifts to personify Wisdom, depicting her as boldly proclaiming her message in public spaces like streets and marketplaces. This public call stands in direct contrast to the secretive plotting of the wicked, emphasizing that Wisdom's ways are open and accessible to all who will listen.
After warning about the seductive calls of wicked companions, the author shifts to personify Wisdom, depicting her as boldly proclaiming her message in public spaces like streets and marketplaces. This public call stands in direct contrast to the secretive plotting of the wicked, emphasizing that Wisdom's ways are open and accessible to all who will listen.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Proverbs 1:20-22 is available in the Sola app.
In biblical terms, a fool is not a person lacking intelligence, but one who lacks moral and spiritual insight. It refers to a person whose life is characterized by a persistent refusal to acknowledge God or His law, leading to destructive choices.
da‘ath · Hebrew Noun
The fundamental prerequisite for godliness and moral living. It represents both intellectual understanding of the world and, more importantly, the experiential, reverential knowledge of the Lord that guides conduct.
"Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?…" — Wisdom isn't shy; the text emphasizes she cries outdoors, in public marketplaces, contrasting with the secret, sly enticements of folly. This highlights that true wisdom is accessible and openly av…
