Bible Strands
Proverbs 8:6
Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Wisdom addresses the simple and the foolish immediately after commanding them to learn shrewdness and gain understanding in verse 5. She calls for their attention before declaring the content of her instruction.
The words — The imperative שִׁ֭מְעוּ (Shim.'u) commands "listen," while נְגִידִ֣ים (ne.gi.Dim) denotes "princely things" or noble matters that will be spoken. The term מֵישָׁרִֽים (mei.sha.Rim) literally means "uprightness" or "right things" that will issue from her lips.
The thread — The demand to heed authoritative instruction parallels Proverbs 4:2, where sound teaching is given and the directive is to be retained. The disclosure of previously concealed wisdom aligns with Colossians 1:26, which records a mystery once hidden but now revealed to the saints.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to pay attention to instruction that establishes moral uprightness as the standard of speech. It demands a direct response to a voice that explicitly rejects wickedness and commits to speaking truth.
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
Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
Cross-references
- Matthew 7:28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching,
- Colossians 1:26 the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.
- Proverbs 4:2 For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.
- Matthew 13:35 So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”
- Proverbs 23:16 My inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.
- Job 33:1 “But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words.
- Psalms 19:7 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple.
- Psalms 49:3 My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.
- Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
- Proverbs 4:20 My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.