Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Wisdom isn't just offering common sense; the "noble things" she speaks are described as "princely," suggesting teachings so grand and authoritative they befit royalty. This elevates her discourse beyond mere advice to divine pronouncements that are fundamentally "right," aiming to correct crooked thinking and align us with truth.
Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this chapter, Wisdom herself is personified, calling out in public places to invite all who will listen. She's speaking directly to "sons of men," contrasting her noble instruction with the fleeting allure of foolishness that leads to ruin. She promises to reveal profound truths, not trivialities, emphasizing that her words will bring correction and uprightness.
Wisdom isn't just about knowing facts; it's about a certain quality of truth. What makes Wisdom's speech so distinguished?
The verse uses a unique Hebrew word that's usually reserved for royalty or leaders, translated here as 'noble' or 'princely things.'
Royal Proclamations
This is a message that commands attention because of its inherent worth and origin.
Wisdom's speech isn't just about lofty ideas; it has a very practical, corrective purpose. What does it mean for her words to be 'right'?
The second part of the verse promises that from Wisdom's lips will come 'right things.' The Hebrew word used here carries the sense of what is straight, equitable, and just.
Correcting Our Course
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This is Wisdom offering not just knowledge, but the guidance to live rightly and justly.
Understand the original words
nāgîḏ · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to that which is excellent, honorable, or princely. In a biblical context, it denotes speech or actions that are morally superior, dignified, and worthy of high regard.
mêšārîm · Hebrew Noun
Refers to that which conforms to an objective standard of equity, integrity, or justice. It characterizes speech or conduct that aligns with God's moral law and character.
Just as Wisdom in Proverbs declares she will speak 'noble things' and 'what is right,' John reveals that the Word (Jesus) became flesh and 'dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.' Both passages highlight the divine origin and inherent righteousness of the message being delivered.
Hebrews 1:1-3The author of Hebrews echoes Proverbs 8 by stating that God, who spoke long ago through prophets, now speaks through His Son. This passage emphasizes that the 'noble things' and 'right things' Wisdom promises are ultimately embodied and revealed in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 7:24-27Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders directly contrasts those who hear and act on words of truth versus those who do not. It underscores the profound importance and practical outworking of the 'noble' and 'right' words that Wisdom (and Jesus) offers, highlighting the stability that comes from building life on such foundations.
Isaiah 55:10-11This prophetic passage parallels Proverbs 8:6 by describing the power and efficacy of God's word. Like Wisdom, God's word 'goes out from his mouth' and does not return empty but accomplishes its purpose, bringing life and righteousness, just as Wisdom promises 'noble things' and 'right things'.
pulpitProverbs 8:6: "Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things."
Verse 6. - I will speak of excellent things; de rebus magnis, Vulgate; σεμνὰ γὰρ ἐρῶ, Septuagint. The Hebrew nagid is elsewhere used of persons; e.g. a prince, leader (1 Samuel 9:16; 1 Chronicles 26:24); so it may here be best translated "princely," "noble" - an epithet which the subject matter of Wisdom's discourse fully confirms (comp. Proverbs 22:20, though the word there is differen…
clarkeProverbs 8:6: "Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things."
Hear; for I will speak of excellent things - נגידים negidim, things which are preeminent, and manifestly superior to all others. The teaching is not trifling, though addressed to triflers. The opening of my lips shall be right things - מישרים meysharim, things which are calculated to correct your false notions, and set straight your crooked ways. Hence she declares,
Wisdom isn't just offering common sense; the "noble things" she speaks are described as "princely," suggesting teachings so grand and authoritative they befit royalty. This elevates her discourse beyond mere advice to divine pronouncements that are fundamentally "right," aiming to correct crooked thinking and align us with truth.
In this chapter, Wisdom herself is personified, calling out in public places to invite all who will listen. She's speaking directly to "sons of men," contrasting her noble instruction with the fleeting allure of foolishness that leads to ruin. She promises to reveal profound truths, not trivialities, emphasizing that her words will bring correction and uprightness.
In this chapter, Wisdom herself is personified, calling out in public places to invite all who will listen. She's speaking directly to "sons of men," contrasting her noble instruction with the fleeting allure of foolishness that leads to ruin. She promises to reveal profound truths, not trivialities, emphasizing that her words will bring correction and uprightness.
"Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right," — Wisdom isn't just offering common sense; the "noble things" she speaks are described as "princely," suggesting teachings so grand and authoritative they befit royalty. This elevates her discourse bey…
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Last reviewed October 2026