Bible Strands
Proverbs 8:12
I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Wisdom speaks in Proverbs 8, addressing the reader within a discourse that establishes her supreme value and moral character. The passage functions as a direct declaration of her nature and method.
The words — עָרְמָ֑ה (arimah) means prudence, and מְזִמּ֣וֹת (mezi'mot) means discretion. Both terms describe the practical discernment that accompanies wisdom's presence.
The thread — The theme of divine instruction and imparted knowledge appears in Isaiah 28:26 and Exodus 31:3. These passages parallel the verse by linking God's teaching with practical skill and understanding.
Why it lands — The text asks the reader to pursue wisdom's association with prudence and discretion as the practical outworking of fearing the Lord. It directs attention to the rejection of arrogance and perverse speech as the necessary boundary for right conduct.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
Cross-references
- Isaiah 28:26 For his God instructs and teaches him properly.
- Exodus 35:30 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.
- Exodus 31:3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship,
- Proverbs 1:4 To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,
- Romans 11:33 O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
- 1 Chronicles 28:19 “All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.”
- Psalms 104:24 How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.
- Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD.
- Ephesians 1:11 In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,
- Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.