Bible Strands
Proverbs 8:14
Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Personified Wisdom addresses the readers of Proverbs within a structured discourse on moral order and governance. This declaration immediately follows her condemnation of evil and precedes her claim to empower civil authorities.
The words — עֵצָה ('E.tzah) means counsel, and גְבוּרָה (ge.vu.Rah) means strength, both explicitly claimed as inherent possessions of Wisdom in this verse.
The thread — Ecclesiastes 7:19 links wisdom directly to strength over city rulers, while Isaiah 40:14 contrasts divine self-sufficiency with the need for instruction. Isaiah 9:6 extends the governance theme by placing authority upon a promised ruler.
Why it lands — The text demands readers treat counsel and strength as non-negotiable foundations for leadership rather than optional virtues. It requires abandoning autonomous judgment in favor of submitted discernment.
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
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
Cross-references
- Ecclesiastes 7:19 Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 40:14 Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding?
- 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!
- Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
- Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is strong, and a man of knowledge enhances his strength.
- Ecclesiastes 9:16 And I said, “Wisdom is better than strength, but the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are not heeded.”
- Romans 1:22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools,
- Colossians 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
- John 1:9 The true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.