Proverbs 8:6
Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Wisdom doesn't just promise to speak truth, but "noble things," a word often used for princes or leaders. This suggests her words aren't just morally sound, but carry inherent authority and dignity, meant to guide and govern us like a true leader. They are also described as "right things," implying they're perfectly aligned with what is just and true, designed to set our own crooked ways straight.
In this chapter, Wisdom herself calls out to people, personified as a woman, urging them to listen because she has something truly valuable to share. She contrasts her noble and righteous words with the foolishness and deceit found elsewhere, setting the stage for her explanation of how she was present with God from the very beginning. This invitation to hear Wisdom's unique teachings flows directly from her public proclamation to all who will listen.
What does it mean for words to be 'noble' or 'princely'? Wisdom isn't just smart advice; it carries a unique weight and dignity.
The Hebrew word used here, often translated as 'noble' or 'princely,' typically refers to leaders or rulers. When Wisdom uses it to describe her own speech, it’s a powerful statement.
Words Fit for Royalty
Wisdom isn't just ordinary instruction; her words are of the highest caliber, fit for the King of Kings Himself. They carry the authority and importance of royalty.
Truth That Commands Respect
These aren't trivial or common sayings. They are 'preeminent,' 'manifest,' and 'principal' – truths that stand above all others and demand our focused attention because of their inherent worth and truthfulness.
Wisdom promises to speak 'right things.' But what does that look like, and why is it so crucial?
The second part of the verse assures us that Wisdom's words are not only noble but also inherently 'right.' This speaks to the integrity and correctness of her counsel.
More Than Just Good Advice
'Right things' implies words that are just, upright, and corrective. They aren't just suggestions; they are the words that align with God's perfect standard and lead us toward what is true and good.
Setting Crooked Ways Straight
This counsel is designed to 'correct our false notions and set straight our crooked ways.' Wisdom's words don't just inform; they transform by exposing error and guiding us toward truth and righteousness.
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 declares in Proverbs that her words are 'noble things,' John reveals Jesus, the Word, as being with God in the beginning, highlighting His divine and authoritative nature.
Hebrews 1:1-3This passage echoes Wisdom's announcement by stating that God 'has spoken by the prophets' but now 'in these last days has spoken to us by his Son,' connecting the proclamation of divine truth to Jesus Himself.
Matthew 7:24-27The contrast between the wise builder who hears and acts and the foolish one who doesn't, parallels Wisdom's call to listen to her 'noble' and 'right' words, emphasizing the critical importance of obedience to divine instruction.
Isaiah 11:2This verse describes the Spirit of the Lord resting on the Messiah, granting him wisdom and understanding, which directly relates to Wisdom's personification in Proverbs as the source of noble and right speech.
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 doesn't just promise to speak truth, but "noble things," a word often used for princes or leaders. This suggests her words aren't just morally sound, but carry inherent authority and dignity, meant to guide and govern us like a true leader. They are also described as "right things," implying they're perfectly aligned with what is just and true, designed to set our own crooked ways straight.
In this chapter, Wisdom herself calls out to people, personified as a woman, urging them to listen because she has something truly valuable to share. She contrasts her noble and righteous words with the foolishness and deceit found elsewhere, setting the stage for her explanation of how she was present with God from the very beginning. This invitation to hear Wisdom's unique teachings flows directly from her public proclamation to all who will listen.
In this chapter, Wisdom herself calls out to people, personified as a woman, urging them to listen because she has something truly valuable to share. She contrasts her noble and righteous words with the foolishness and deceit found elsewhere, setting the stage for her explanation of how she was present with God from the very beginning. This invitation to hear Wisdom's unique teachings flows directly from her public proclamation to all who will listen.
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"Hear, for I will speak noble things, and from my lips will come what is right," — Wisdom doesn't just promise to speak truth, but "noble things," a word often used for princes or leaders. This suggests her words aren't just morally sound, but carry inherent authority and dignity,…
