Proverbs 8

Proverbs · Chapter 8

Proverbs 8:5

1Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.13The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.15By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.16By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.18Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.19My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:21That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.22The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.23I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.24When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.25Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:26While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.27When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:28When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:29When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:30Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;31Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.33Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.34Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.35For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

King James Version (1769)

Other translations

VerseKJVBSBASV
5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.O ye simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart.

In context

Who is speaking and to whom, what is happening, when and where, and why it matters, each with its sources. Coming with the context cards.

Original Hebrew words

EnglishHebrewSay itStrong'sMeaning
understandהָבִ֣ינוּha-VI-nuH0995
to understand

בִּין (bin) 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

O naive peopleפְתָאיִ֣םfe-ta-YIMH6612A
simple

פֶּ֫תִי (pe.ti) adj simple, foolish, open-minded

prudenceעָרְמָ֑ה'a-re-MAHH6195
craftiness

עׇרְמָה (or.mah) shrewdness, craftiness, prudence

and O foolsוּ֝כְסִילִ֗יםu-khe-si-LIMH3684
fool

כְּסִיל (ke.sil) fool, stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton, arrogant one

understandהָבִ֥ינוּha-VI-nuH0995
to understand

בִּין (bin) 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard

heartלֵֽב׃LevH3820A
mind

בָּל (bal) mind, heart Aramaic of lev (לֵב "heart" H3820A)

Words and meanings from STEPBible data (Tyndale House, Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). The capitalized syllable is the stressed one.