If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse offers a beautiful picture of God's abundant grace: responding to His correction isn't just about obedience, it unlocks a cascade of divine understanding. When we turn to Wisdom's reproof, God doesn't just speak at us, He promises to "pour out" His Spirit, making His profound thoughts flow into us, transforming how we grasp His words.
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Wisdom, personified as a woman, has been crying out in the streets, calling out to those who are simple, scornful, and foolish. This verse is Wisdom's direct response to those who choose to finally listen and turn towards her correction. It's an invitation, promising a profound outpouring of understanding and divine knowledge if they will just heed her words.
When Wisdom calls out, it's not just an invitation – it's a challenge. What does it truly mean to 'turn' when Wisdom rebukes us?
The verse begins with a call to action: 'Turn you at my reproof.' This isn't just about acknowledging you've done wrong. It's about a decisive shift. The original language suggests actively turning towards Wisdom's correction, not just away from sin. Think of it as reorienting yourself, facing the truth that Wisdom presents, and choosing to learn from it rather than resist it.
This turning is the essential first step. It's about humility – admitting you need guidance and are willing to accept it, even when it's uncomfortable. It's about actively engaging with the conviction that Wisdom brings, allowing it to shape your understanding and actions.
What happens when you respond to correction with an open heart? Wisdom promises an incredible outpouring – not just information, but His very presence.
The promise that follows is breathtaking: 'behold, I will pour out my spirit to you.' This 'pouring out' suggests an abundant, overflowing supply. It's not a mere trickle, but a deluge of God's presence and power.
This isn't just about gaining more knowledge. The 'spirit' here speaks of divine empowerment, understanding, and intimate connection. It's the very essence of God's life-giving presence being shared generously with those who heed His wisdom. This outpouring is also seen as a precursor to future, even greater expansions of God's Spirit, as seen in prophetic promises and the coming of Christ.
Ask a follow-up
Beyond correction and presence, what is the ultimate outcome of turning to Wisdom? It's about deep, personal understanding of God's very thoughts.
The final part of the promise is, 'I will make my words known to you.' This goes beyond simply reading or hearing God's commands. It implies an internal understanding, a revelation that makes His words resonate deeply within you.
This is about an intimate unveiling of God's will and truth. When we respond to Wisdom's reproof and receive His Spirit, our minds are opened to grasp His deeper meanings. It's like the difference between being told a secret and being trusted with it. God doesn't just give us His words; He helps us to truly know them, to grasp their significance and apply them to our lives, fostering a profound relationship built on shared understanding.
Understand the original words
tōkachath · Hebrew Noun
A corrective warning or discipline meant to restore a person to the right path. While sometimes harsh, it is an expression of concern aimed at bringing about repentance and turning the individual toward God's way.
rûach · Hebrew Noun
The breath, wind, or divine vitality of God. When poured out, it represents the communication of God's wisdom, presence, and life-changing power to those who are receptive to His call.
This passage contains a direct prophecy about God pouring out His Spirit on all people, which echoes the promise in Proverbs. It highlights the expansive nature of God's Spirit when He makes His wisdom known.
John 7:37-39Jesus directly references the prophecy of Joel, stating that those who believe in Him will have rivers of living water (the Holy Spirit) flowing from within them. This shows the fulfillment of God making His words and Spirit known through Christ.
Acts 2:1-4This is the powerful event of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, enabling them to speak in other languages and boldly proclaim God's message. It's a dramatic demonstration of God making His words known through His Spirit.
Psalm 25:14This verse states that the secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He makes His covenant known to them. It emphasizes the intimacy and personal revelation that comes when one is receptive to God's guidance, much like the promise in Proverbs.
1 Corinthians 2:10-12Paul explains that the Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God, and reveals them to us. This passage clarifies how God's Spirit makes His profound wisdom and words accessible to believers.
clarkeProverbs 1:23: "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you."
Turn you at my reproof - לתוכחתי lethochachti, at my convincing mode of arguing; attend to my demonstrations. This is properly the meaning of the original word. I will pour out my spirit unto you - "I wil expresse my mynde unto you;" Coverdale. Loo I shall bryngen to you my Spirit; Old MS. Bible. If you will hear, ye shall have ample instruction.
cambridgeProverbs 1:23: "Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you."
23 . We have here the germ both of later prophecies ( Isaiah 44:3 ; Joel 2:28 [ Hebrews 3:1 ]), and of their fulfilment in Christ ( John 7:37-39 ; Acts 2:33 ; John 7:17 ).
This verse offers a beautiful picture of God's abundant grace: responding to His correction isn't just about obedience, it unlocks a cascade of divine understanding. When we turn to Wisdom's reproof, God doesn't just speak at us, He promises to "pour out" His Spirit, making His profound thoughts flow into us, transforming how we grasp His words.
Wisdom, personified as a woman, has been crying out in the streets, calling out to those who are simple, scornful, and foolish. This verse is Wisdom's direct response to those who choose to finally listen and turn towards her correction. It's an invitation, promising a profound outpouring of understanding and divine knowledge if they will just heed her words.
Wisdom, personified as a woman, has been crying out in the streets, calling out to those who are simple, scornful, and foolish. This verse is Wisdom's direct response to those who choose to finally listen and turn towards her correction. It's an invitation, promising a profound outpouring of understanding and divine knowledge if they will just heed her words.
"If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you." — This verse offers a beautiful picture of God's abundant grace: responding to His correction isn't just about obedience, it unlocks a cascade of divine understanding. When we turn to Wisdom's reproof,…
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Last reviewed October 2026