Wisdom's Proclamation and Blessings
Proverbs 8:1-36
Pro.8.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הלא: PART
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תקרא: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ותבונה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תתן: VERB,qal,imprf,2,_,sg
- קולה: NOUN,m,sg,suff,3,f
Parallels
- Prov.1:20 (verbal): Personified Wisdom 'calls aloud' in the streets—near-verbal parallel and same public‑calling imagery as Prov 8:1.
- Prov.9:4-6 (thematic): Wisdom issues an open invitation to the simple to come and learn—same motif of Wisdom calling people to follow her.
- Prov.8:3 (structural): Same chapter's further description of where Wisdom stands and calls (at crossroads, gates)—continues and localizes the call of 8:1.
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 24:3-7 (allusion): Wisdom speaks of dwelling among humans and making herself known—parallel personification and universal call of Wisdom to humanity.
- Job 28:12-28 (thematic): Explores the human quest for wisdom and its divine source—thematically related to Wisdom's proclamation and the rarity/preciousness of true understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- Does not wisdom call out, and understanding lift up her voice?
- Does not Wisdom call, and Understanding lift up her voice?
Pro.8.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cstr
- מרומים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- דרך: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתיבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- נצבה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Prov.8:1-3 (structural): Immediate context: the same personified Wisdom is described standing on heights, by the road and at crossroads (verse 2 is part of this cluster).
- Prov.1:20-21 (verbal): Wisdom/personified cries out in public places and 'on the tops of the heights' and in the city squares—very close language and setting to Prov 8:2.
- Prov.9:3-6 (thematic): Wisdom (and her messengers) calls from the heights and invites the simple—parallel motif of Wisdom publicly stationing herself and calling people.
- Jer.6:16 (thematic): Uses the crossroads/way motif: 'Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the ancient paths'—similar imagery of standing at crossroads and addressing travelers about the right way.
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 24:3-7 (allusion): The personified Wisdom speaks of coming forth from God and taking up dwelling in high places and among the people—parallels the portrayal of Wisdom set on heights and beside the way.
Alternative generated candidates
- On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she stands;
- On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she stands;
Pro.8.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ליד: PREP
- שערים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לפי: PREP
- קרת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מבוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פתחים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- תרנה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:20-21 (verbal): Virtually identical scene and wording: Wisdom/personified 'cries' in the streets and at the city gates, calling to the people — a direct verbal parallel to 8:3.
- Proverbs 8:1-2 (structural): Immediate literary context: the preceding verses place Wisdom in high places and at gateways, establishing the same public, visible setting continued in 8:3.
- Proverbs 9:1-6 (thematic): Wisdom's (and contrasting Folly's) public invitation motif — Wisdom prepares a house and issues a public summons, echoing the theme of calling people openly as in 8:3.
- Ruth 4:1-11 (allusion): Depicts the city gate as the locus of public business, legal transactions, and proclamation (elders and witnesses at the gate), highlighting the cultural role of the gate as the proper place for Wisdom's public address in 8:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- at the gates by the city entrance, at the openings she cries aloud:
- at the entrance of the gates, at the openings of the city she cries aloud:
Pro.8.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אליכם: PREP+PRON,2,pl
- אישים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אקרא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- וקולי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:1s
- אל: NEG
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.1:20-23 (verbal): Wisdom personified cries out publicly to people ("Wisdom cries aloud...sends forth her voice"), paralleling the call to "men" and "sons of man" in 8:4.
- Prov.8:1-3 (structural): Immediate context: the opening verses of chapter 8 stage Wisdom standing and calling to mankind, providing the same scene and function as v.4.
- Prov.9:4 (thematic): Lady Wisdom issues a direct invitation to the simple and those lacking understanding to come in—another explicit call of Wisdom to people.
- Isa.55:1 (thematic): Prophetic summons to all who thirst to come and receive life and sustenance—a broad, invitational address to humanity analogous to Wisdom's call to "sons of man."
- Matt.11:28 (allusion): Jesus' universal invitation "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden" functions as a New Testament echo of the wisdom tradition's public call to all people.
Alternative generated candidates
- To you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
- To you, O men, I call; my voice is to the children of mankind.
Pro.8.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הבינו: VERB,hif,imp,2,m,pl
- פתאים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ערמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכסילים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הבינו: VERB,hif,imp,2,m,pl
- לב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:4 (verbal): Shares the exact didactic purpose language—wisdom/prudence is given to the 'simple' (פתאים) to impart discretion and understanding.
- Proverbs 1:22 (thematic): Addresses the same audience ('simple,' 'fools') and issues a similar summons to abandon simplicity and gain knowledge and understanding.
- Proverbs 9:4-6 (structural): Wisdom's invitation to the simple to leave their ways and live parallels the exhortatory tone of 8:5 calling simples and fools to acquire understanding.
- Proverbs 8:10-11 (thematic): Continues the same wisdom discourse—urging acceptance of wisdom/teaching (understanding) and emphasizing the superior value of wisdom over riches.
Alternative generated candidates
- Pay attention, you simple ones, to prudence; you fools, gain insight.
- Give prudence to the simple; to the foolish, gain understanding.
Pro.8.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- נגידים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אדבר: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- ומפתח: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- מישרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 8:7 (verbal): Immediate verbal parallel—continues the thought: Wisdom’s mouth speaks truth and her lips declare righteousness, echoing 'the opening of my lips shall be right things.'
- Proverbs 1:20-23 (thematic): Wisdom calling aloud and urging people to 'hear' mirrors the summons in 8:6 for listeners to pay attention to wisdom’s speech.
- Proverbs 8:1-5 (structural): Contextual parallel within the same speech—sets up the address to rulers and the call to listen that 8:6 enunciates.
- Jeremiah 1:9-10 (allusion): God touching Jeremiah’s mouth and placing words there parallels the motif of authoritative speech—speech that must be heard and is 'right' because divinely sanctioned.
- Isaiah 50:4-5 (thematic): The servant’s gift of a taught tongue and the emphasis on hearing and speaking in season resonates with 8:6’s themes of opening the mouth and delivering right, timely speech.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear, for I will speak noble things; and my lips will utter right things.
- Hear—for I will speak noble things; and the opening of my lips will declare what is right.
Pro.8.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אמת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יהגה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- חכי: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- ותועבת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 12:22 (verbal): Directly parallels the denunciation of falsehood: 'Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,' echoing Wisdom's claim that truth issues from her mouth and wickedness is abhorrent to her lips.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 (thematic): Lists deeds and kinds of speech God hates (including a lying tongue), thematically aligning with Wisdom's rejection of wicked/false speech.
- Psalm 12:6 (thematic): Affirms the purity and truth of divine speech ('The words of the LORD are pure words'), resonating with Wisdom's declaration that her mouth utters truth.
- Psalm 101:7 (thematic): Speaks of excluding deceitful speakers from God's presence ('He who practices deceit shall not dwell in my house'), reflecting the incompatibility of wicked/false speech with the speaker of truth.
Alternative generated candidates
- For my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
- For my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
Pro.8.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בצדק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- אמרי: VERB,qal,impv,2,f,sg
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- אין: PART,neg
- בהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- נפתל: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ועקש: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.8:6 (structural): Immediate context: the speaker (Wisdom) introduces her speech—calling attention to the truth and excellence of what she will say, framing the claim that her words are righteous.
- Prov.8:9 (verbal): Close verbal parallel: affirms the plainness and rightness of Wisdom’s words—‘they are all plain… and right’ echoes the claim that there is nothing crooked or perverse in her speech.
- Psalm 33:4 (verbal): Speaks of the word of the LORD as ‘right’ and ‘true’—a similar affirmation of the rectitude and faithfulness of divine speech.
- Psalm 12:6 (thematic): Declares the words of the LORD to be pure and without deceit—thematic parallel stressing purity and absence of perversity in speech.
- Psalm 19:7 (thematic): Describes the law/word of the LORD as perfect and right, reviving the soul—echoes the idea that divine/wisdom speech is wholly upright and life-giving.
Alternative generated candidates
- All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing twisted or perverse in them.
- All the sayings of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
Pro.8.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כלם: PRON,3,m,pl
- נכחים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- למבין: PREP+VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- וישרים: CONJ+ADJ,m,pl,abs
- למצאי: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- דעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 2:2-6 (thematic): Both passages emphasize that wisdom and understanding are available to the one who seeks and is attentive; knowledge is granted to the discerning.
- Proverbs 1:5 (thematic): Proverbs 1:5, like Prov.8:9, contrasts the simple and the discerning, stressing that the person of understanding receives sound counsel and gains knowledge.
- Job 28:28 (thematic): Job links wisdom and understanding as realities apprehended by humans who fear the Lord; similarly Prov.8:9 presents wisdom as accessible and rightly perceived by the understanding.
- Psalm 119:104 (thematic): Psalm 119 connects divine instruction with understanding and clarity—echoing Prov.8:9’s claim that truth is plain and right to those who attain knowledge.
Alternative generated candidates
- They are all plain to the one who understands, and upright to those who find knowledge.
- They are all plain to the discerning, and upright to those who find knowledge.
Pro.8.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- קחו: VERB,qal,impv,2,pl
- מוסרי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- כסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מחרוץ: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבחר: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 8:11 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same speech: explicitly states wisdom is better than rubies/gold, continuing the valuation of instruction over precious metals.
- Proverbs 16:16 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language—preferring wisdom and understanding to gold and silver—echoing the same priority of wisdom over wealth.
- Proverbs 3:14-15 (verbal): Declares wisdom’s gain superior to the gain of silver and choice gold, thematically and linguistically similar in valuing wisdom above riches.
- Job 28:15-19 (thematic): Contrasts the earthly treasures (silver, gold, etc.) with the inaccessibility/greater value of wisdom, highlighting wisdom’s surpassing worth beyond precious metals.
- Psalm 119:72 (thematic): Affirms the law/wisdom of God is better than thousands of gold and silver, echoing the theme that spiritual instruction outweighs material wealth.
Alternative generated candidates
- Take my instruction rather than silver; choose knowledge rather than fine gold.
- Take my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold.
Pro.8.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- טובה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מפנינים: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- חפצים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- ישוו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בה: PREP+PRON,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Prov.3:15 (verbal): Nearly identical wording: wisdom (or 'she') is described as more precious than rubies and incomparable to desired things.
- Job 28:18 (verbal): Declares that precious stones and topaz cannot be exchanged for wisdom, emphasizing wisdom's superiority to gems and wealth.
- Prov.16:16 (thematic): Affirms the basic proverb theme that gaining wisdom is preferable to acquiring gold or riches.
- Ps.19:10 (19:11 MT) (thematic): Speaks of God's ordinances as more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey, parallel in valuing spiritual good above material wealth.
- Matt.13:45-46 (thematic): The parable of the pearl of great price portrays the kingdom (or treasure) as supremely valuable, analogous to the proverb's claim that wisdom surpasses all precious things.
Alternative generated candidates
- For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.
- For wisdom is better than pearls; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.
Pro.8.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- א: PRT
- ני: PRON,1,sg,clitic
- חכמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- שכנתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- ערמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ודעת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מזמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אמצא: VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
Parallels
- Prov.8.14 (verbal): Same first‑person voice of Wisdom and similar catalogue of attributes (’counsel’, ’sound wisdom’, ’understanding’) echoing 8:12’s claim to dwell with prudence and possess knowledge and discretion.
- Prov.1.20-23 (thematic): Personification of Wisdom speaking publicly and offering instruction — parallels 8:12’s voice of Wisdom and the theme of Wisdom as an active, moral guide.
- Prov.9.1 (structural): Imagery of Wisdom’s dwelling (’Wisdom has built her house’) parallels 8:12’s assertion ‘I dwell with prudence,’ linking Wisdom to a settled, established presence.
- Job 28:12-28 (thematic): Reflection on the human search for wisdom and the divine source of true insight contrasts and complements Proverbs’ portrayal of Wisdom as a present, knowable quality that dwells with prudence and grants knowledge.
Alternative generated candidates
- I, wisdom, dwell with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.
- I, Wisdom, make my home with prudence; I find knowledge and discretion.
Pro.8.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יראת: NOUN,f,sg,cs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- שנאת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- גאה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- וגאון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ודרך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ופי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- תהפכות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- שנאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:7 (thematic): Connects 'fear the LORD' with turning away from evil; both verses link reverence for God to rejecting wickedness and pride.
- Proverbs 6:12 (verbal): Speaks of a 'perverse mouth' (פי תהפכות) describing a wicked person—direct verbal parallel to 'and perverse mouth I hate' in 8:13.
- Proverbs 16:5 (thematic): Declares that the LORD detests the proud in heart—parallels 8:13’s condemnation of pride and arrogance as objects of divine/his fear-inspired hatred of evil.
- Psalm 97:10 (verbal): 'O you who love the LORD, hate evil!'—a succinct exhortation tying love/fear of God to hatred of evil, closely matching Proverbs 8:13’s formula.
- Amos 5:14-15 (thematic): Calls people to 'seek good, not evil' and to 'hate evil, and establish justice'—echoes the moral stance that reverence for God entails hatred of evil found in Prov 8:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride, arrogance, and the evil way, and the perverse mouth I hate.
- The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverse speech I hate.
Pro.8.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עצה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותושיה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- בינה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- גבורה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Isaiah 11:2 (verbal): Lists the same cluster of divine attributes—wisdom, understanding, counsel (counsel/עצה), and might/strength—mirroring the language and order found in Prov 8:14.
- Exodus 31:3 (verbal): Speaks of being filled with the Spirit of God 'in wisdom and understanding and knowledge'—a similar formulaic pairing of wisdom/understanding and skill/strength parallel to Prov 8:14's claims.
- Proverbs 8:12 (structural): Immediate intra‑chapter parallel: both verses are first‑person utterances of Wisdom describing her qualities—prudence, knowledge, counsel, and power—forming a coherent self‑presentation.
- Proverbs 2:6 (thematic): Expresses the theme that wisdom and understanding originate with the LORD (or divine source), echoing Prov 8's personified Wisdom who embodies counsel and understanding.
Alternative generated candidates
- To me belong counsel and sound judgment; I am understanding, I have strength.
- Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I am understanding, and strength is mine.
Pro.8.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מלכים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ימלכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ורוזנים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יחקקו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- צדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 29:14 (verbal): Both verses link kingship and just judgment—if a king judges the poor with equity his throne is established, echoing Wisdom’s claim that kings reign and princes enact justice.
- 1 Kings 3:16-28 (structural): Narrative demonstration of royal wisdom: Solomon’s wise adjudication illustrates the claim in Proverbs that wisdom enables rulers to govern and render just decisions.
- Psalm 72:1-4 (thematic): A royal prayer asking the king to judge the people with righteousness and defend the needy, reflecting the connection between kingship and justice found in Proverbs 8:15.
- Isaiah 11:2-4 (thematic): The messianic ruler endowed with wisdom and understanding who judges with righteousness parallels the idea that wisdom grounds just rule by kings and princes.
- Jeremiah 23:5-6 (thematic): The coming ‘righteous Branch’ who will reign and execute justice echoes Proverbs’ link between rightful kingship and the establishment of justice through wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
- By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice.
Pro.8.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- שרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ישרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ונדיבים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- שפטי: NOUN,m,pl,const
- צדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 8:15 (verbal): Nearly identical claim immediately preceding: Wisdom says, 'By me kings reign'—same verbal assertion that rulers derive rule through Wisdom.
- Proverbs 16:12 (thematic): Connects rightful kingship with righteousness: 'It is an abomination for kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness,' echoing Wisdom's role in just rule.
- Psalm 72:1-4 (thematic): A royal prayer that the king judge the poor and bring justice—parallels the theme of rulers exercising justice and protecting the oppressed under divinely sanctioned rule.
- Romans 13:1 (thematic): New Testament teaching that governing authorities are instituted by God ('there is no authority except from God'), paralleling the idea that rulers' authority rests on divine Wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- By me princes rule, and nobles—all the judges of the earth.
- By me princes rule, and nobles—all who judge rightly.
Pro.8.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אהבי: NOUN,m,sg,poss-1s
- אהב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ומשחרי: CONJ+PART,qal,ptc,act,m,pl
- ימצאנני: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 4:29 (verbal): Promises that if Israel seeks the LORD with all heart and soul they will find him — closely parallels 'those who seek me will find me.'
- Jeremiah 29:13 (verbal): 'You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart' — a near-verbatim reinforcement of the seeking/finding motif in Proverbs 8:17.
- Matthew 7:7-8 (allusion): Jesus' 'Ask, and it will be given... Seek, and you will find' echoes the wisdom tradition's promise that seekers will find, functioning as an intertextual allusion to Proverbs-like teaching.
- John 14:21 (thematic): Links love and reciprocal relationship: 'Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me' — parallels the idea that the object (wisdom/Christ) loves those who love it.
- James 4:8 (thematic): 'Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you' resonates with the mutuality of seeking and being found/loved expressed in Proverbs 8:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- I love those who love me; those who seek me diligently will find me.
- I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.
Pro.8.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עשר: NUM,card,m,sg,cons
- וכבוד: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אתי: PRON,1,sg
- הון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וצדקה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:16 (verbal): Uses very similar language and imagery: 'in her left hand are riches and honour,' linking personified Wisdom with riches and honor as in Prov 8:18.
- Proverbs 3:13-15 (thematic): Celebrates the value and benefits of wisdom (surpassing silver and gold), thematically linking wisdom to material and moral blessings like those named in Prov 8:18.
- Proverbs 22:4 (verbal): Contains the same collocation 'riches and honor' as the fruit or reward associated with humility/fear of the LORD, paralleling the rewards ascribed to Wisdom in Prov 8:18.
- Job 28:18 (thematic): Contrasts the value of wisdom with precious stones ('the price of wisdom is above pearls'); thematically interacts with Prov 8:18's claim that wisdom accompanies wealth and honor.
- Psalm 112:3 (thematic): Declares that 'wealth and riches are in his house' alongside righteousness, paralleling Prov 8:18's association of riches and honor with righteousness/wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- Riches and honor are with me; enduring wealth and righteousness.
- Riches and honor are with me; enduring wealth and righteousness.
Pro.8.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- טוב: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- פריי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- מחרוץ: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומפז: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ותבואתי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- מכסף: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבחר: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 8:10-11 (verbal): Same chapter and speaker (Wisdom); explicitly prefers instruction/knowledge over silver and choice gold, closely matching the wording and idea.
- Proverbs 3:14-15 (verbal): Directly parallels the valuation of wisdom — its 'merchandise' or gain is better than silver and fine gold.
- Proverbs 16:16 (thematic): Summarizes the proverb's theme: obtaining wisdom and understanding is far better than acquiring gold or silver.
- Job 28:15-18 (verbal): Uses similar imagery to deny that wisdom can be purchased with precious stones or pure gold, emphasizing wisdom's surpassing worth.
- Psalm 19:10 (thematic): Describes God's law (linked to wisdom) as more desirable than gold and finer than honey, echoing the superior value ascribed to wisdom.
Alternative generated candidates
- My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; my yield is better than choice silver.
- My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my yield than choice silver.
Pro.8.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בארח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צדקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אהלך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2fs
- בתוך: PREP
- נתיבות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- משפט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.2:20 (verbal): Very close vocabulary and idea—both speak of walking in the way of the good/righteous and keeping the paths of the righteous; Wisdom presents herself as the guide along these paths.
- Ps.23:3 (verbal): Uses the identical phrase 'paths of righteousness' (or 'paths of rightness') and the motif of being led along righteous ways—echoes Wisdom's role in directing ethical conduct.
- Prov.12:28 (verbal): Links the 'way of righteousness' with life and safety; shares the Proverbs corpus's emphasis on a moral path as the proper route to flourishing, paralleling Wisdom's claim.
- Isa.26:7 (thematic): Speaks of the path/way of the righteous as straight/upright and God's role in making it so—resonates with Wisdom's depiction of ordered 'paths of justice'.
- Prov.4:18 (thematic): Contrasts the clear, advancing way of the righteous with the crooked way of the wicked; thematically complements Wisdom's assertion of walking 'in the way of righteousness'.
Alternative generated candidates
- I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
- I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,
Pro.8.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- להנחיל: VERB,hiphil,inf
- אהבי: NOUN,m,sg,poss-1s
- יש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואצרתיהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- אמלא: VERB,piel,impf,1,sg
Parallels
- Prov.8.18 (verbal): Immediate context in Wisdom-speech: wisdom speaks of riches and honor being with her—closely related wording and promise to provide wealth.
- Prov.3.9-10 (thematic): Promise that honoring the Lord leads to material blessing (filled barns), paralleling wisdom’s reward to those who love her.
- Ps.112.3 (thematic): Affirms that the righteous will have wealth and riches in their house, echoing the idea of treasuries being filled.
- Deut.8.18 (allusion): God portrayed as the source/enabler of wealth (‘it is he who gives you power to get wealth’), matching the notion that proper relationship yields provision.
- Mal.3.10 (thematic): Promise that faithful obedience/offerings will result in God’s abundant provision—‘open the windows of heaven’ and overflowing blessing like filled treasuries.
Alternative generated candidates
- that I may cause those who love me to inherit substance, and that I may fill their treasuries.
- that I may cause those who love me to inherit substance, and I will fill their treasuries.
Pro.8.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- קנני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ראשית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דרכו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- קדם: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מפעליו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m
- מאז: ADV
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:19-20 (verbal): Both passages portray Wisdom as present at and active in creation—'By wisdom the LORD founded the earth' echoes Proverbs 8's claim that the LORD possessed/created Wisdom at the beginning of his way.
- Job 28:12-14 (thematic): Job's reflection on the hidden source and supreme value of wisdom parallels Proverbs 8's personified Wisdom who predates and undergirds God's works.
- John 1:1-3 (allusion): John's Logos theology describes a pre-existent divine agent through whom all things were made—echoing Proverbs 8's depiction of Wisdom existing 'at the beginning' and active in God's creative ordering.
- Colossians 1:15-17 (thematic): Paul attributes pre-existence and cosmic creative authority to Christ ('firstborn...by him all things were created'), paralleling the Proverbs theme of a primordial, instrumental Wisdom in creation.
- Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-30 (thematic): The Deuterocanonical Wisdom tradition personifies Wisdom as a divine, pre-existent principle and agent in creation—closely aligning with Proverbs 8's personified Wisdom who precedes and participates in God's works.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD acquired me at the beginning of his way, the first of his works, before his deeds of old.
- The LORD possessed me at the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Pro.8.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מעולם: ADV
- נסכתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- מראש: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מקדמי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 8:22-31 (structural): Immediate context—continuation of Wisdom's speech claiming eternal origin and active presence at the creation of the earth (same vocabulary and themes).
- Proverbs 3:19-20 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD founding the earth by wisdom and understanding, directly linking wisdom with the creative act mentioned in 8:23.
- Job 28:12-28 (thematic): Explores the source, value, and divine origin of wisdom—echoes the theme of wisdom as a hidden, preeminent principle connected to God rather than human discovery.
- John 1:1-3 (allusion): The Johannine Logos ('In the beginning was the Word... all things were made through him') parallels Proverbs' personified Wisdom as preexistent and active in creation.
- Colossians 1:15-17 (thematic): Paul describes Christ as preexistent and the agent through whom all things were created and are held together, reflecting the motif of a preexistent wisdom present at creation.
Alternative generated candidates
- From everlasting I was set up, at the first, before the earth existed.
- From everlasting I was set up, from the beginning, from the first of the earth.
Pro.8.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באין: PREP
- תהמות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חוללתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- באין: PREP
- מעינות: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נכבדי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- מים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Prov.8.22 (verbal): Immediate canonical parallel: the Wisdom-speaker earlier claims to have been 'brought forth' or 'possessed' in the beginning (context for v.24's 'brought forth' before the depths).
- Genesis 1:2 (verbal): Shared imagery of the primordial 'deep' (Heb. tehom); v.24's 'when there were no depths' echoes the chaotic waters present at the start of creation.
- Job 38:4-7 (thematic): God's account of laying the earth's foundations and the heavenly beings' (morning stars') presence at creation parallels Wisdom's claim to be present at and active in the world's formation.
- John 1:1-3 (allusion): New Testament appropriation of the pre-existent agent of creation (the Logos); thematically parallels Proverbs' personified Wisdom who exists and acts before and during creation.
- Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 24:3-6 (verbal): Intertestamental Wisdom tradition: Wisdom speaks of coming forth from the Most High and being present before all, closely mirroring Proverbs' language of Wisdom's origin and pre-creation role.
Alternative generated candidates
- When there were no deeps I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
- When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.
Pro.8.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בטרם: PREP
- הרים: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- הטבעו: VERB,hifil,perf,3,m,pl
- לפני: PREP
- גבעות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- חוללתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
Parallels
- Prov.3:19-20 (verbal): Both verses ascribe the founding of the earth and its structures to Wisdom—'By wisdom the LORD founded the earth' echoes Prov 8's claim that Wisdom existed before the mountains were formed.
- Job 38:4-7 (allusion): God's challenge—'Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?' and the listing of cosmic foundations parallels Proverbs 8's portrayal of Wisdom as present 'before the mountains were set,' connecting Wisdom to the divine act of creation.
- Ps.104:5-8 (thematic): Psalm 104 describes God establishing the earth and setting the mountains and valleys in place, echoing Prov 8:25's motif of mountains being formed and thus situating Wisdom in the pre‑mountain creation context.
- Isa.45:18 (thematic): Declares that God 'created the heavens and formed the earth' and established it—not as void—which parallels the theme of primordial ordering in Prov 8 where Wisdom precedes the mountains' creation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth;
- Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth;
Pro.8.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עד: PREP
- לא: PART_NEG
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וחוצות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וראש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עפרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תבל: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 8:22-31 (structural): Same Wisdom-speech that frames 8:26; the passage as a whole portrays Wisdom as present before and participating in the creation of the earth and its parts.
- Proverbs 3:19-20 (verbal): Speaks of the LORD using wisdom to establish the earth and heavens—parallels the attribution of creation to Wisdom and the motif of preexistent Wisdom.
- Job 38:4-7 (thematic): God's rhetorical questions about where Job was 'when I laid the foundations of the earth' echo the theme of origins and the presence (or absence) at creation, paralleling Wisdom's claim to precedence.
- Psalm 104:24 (verbal): Attributes the multiplicity of God's works to his wisdom ('in wisdom hast thou made them all'), reflecting the connection between wisdom and the making of the earth found in Prov 8:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- before he had made the earth, the fields, or the first dust of the world.
- while as yet he had not made the earth and the fields, or the first dust of the world.
Pro.8.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בהכינו: PREP+VERB,qal,perf,3,ms
- שמים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שם: ADV
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- בחוקו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:3,ms
- חוג: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- תהום: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Job 26:10 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language: God 'inscribed a circle on the face of the waters' (close verbal parallel to 'circle on the face of the deep').
- Job 38:4-7 (structural): God's cosmic creation speech—'Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?'—parallels Proverbs' motif of a witness (Wisdom) present at creation.
- Prov.3:19-20 (thematic): Depicts Wisdom as God's agent in creating the heavens and earth—same theme of Wisdom participating in cosmic ordering.
- Isaiah 40:22 (verbal): Speaks of God 'sitting above the circle of the earth' (חוּג), echoing the 'circle' imagery applied to the cosmos in Prov 8:27.
- John 1:3 (allusion): The Logos as the agent through whom 'all things were made' echoes the personified Wisdom present at creation in Proverbs 8.
Alternative generated candidates
- When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep,
- When he established the heavens, I was there; when he traced a circle on the face of the deep,
Pro.8.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- באמצו: PREP
- שחקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ממעל: ADV
- בעזוז: PREP
- עינות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תהום: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:19-20 (verbal): Same collection and language: links Wisdom with founding the earth and establishing the heavens and the deeps—close verbal and thematic parallel to Prov 8:28.
- Job 38:4-7 (thematic): God's challenge to Job about the time of creation and the presence of the heavenly beings (‘morning stars’), paralleling Wisdom's claim to have been present at creation.
- Job 26:10 (verbal): Uses the image of inscribing a circle/boundary on the face of the waters—very similar imagery to 'setting a circle on the face of the deep' in Prov 8:28.
- Genesis 1:1-2 (structural): Narrative opening of creation: heavens and the deep are established—provides the creation context to which Wisdom in Prov 8:28 refers.
- Psalm 104:6-9 (thematic): Describes God covering the earth with the waters and setting boundaries for the sea—parallels the motif of God ordering the waters/the deep at creation found in Prov 8:28.
Alternative generated candidates
- when he made firm the skies above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep,
- when he made firm the skies above, when he strengthened the fountains of the deep,
Pro.8.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בשומו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- לים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חקו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- ומים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יעברו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- פיו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- בחוקו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m
- מוסדי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- ארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Job 38:8-11 (quotation): God's speech commissioning the sea's limit—'Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further'—a direct parallel to assigning boundaries to the waters and founding the earth.
- Job 26:10 (verbal): Speaks of God 'marking out a boundary' or 'inscribing a circle' for the waters—uses similar vocabulary of bounding the sea.
- Psalm 104:9 (verbal): 'Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over'—closely parallels the idea and wording of ordaining limits for the waters.
- Psalm 104:5 (thematic): Affirms God 'set the earth on its foundations,' echoing Proverbs' reference to God establishing the earth's foundations (מוסדי ארץ).
- Jeremiah 5:22 (allusion): Speaks of God placing 'the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree,' echoing the notion of a divine ordinance that restrains the waters.
Alternative generated candidates
- when he assigned to the sea its limit so that the waters would not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
- when he assigned to the sea its limit so that the waters would not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
Pro.8.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואהיה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- אצלו: PREP
- אמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואהיה: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,1,_,sg
- שעשעים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משחקת: VERB,qal,ptc,-,f,sg
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בכל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
Parallels
- Prov.8:22-31 (structural): Immediate literary context: the personified Wisdom describes being with God at creation, delighting and rejoicing before him (expands and parallels v.30).
- Job 38:4-7 (thematic): God’s question to Job recalls heavenly beings rejoicing at the founding of the earth—parallel image of joy/presence at creation similar to Wisdom’s rejoicing before God.
- Prov.3:19-20 (thematic): Attributes creation to Wisdom/understanding—links the role of Wisdom in ordering the cosmos to Prov 8:30’s claim of being beside God during creation.
- John 1:1-3 (allusion): New Testament Logos theology echoes Hebrew Wisdom traditions: the divine agent who is with God and through whom all things were made, a point often read alongside Prov 8’s personified Wisdom.
- Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-30 (verbal): Intertestamental Jewish reflection that personifies Wisdom as God’s companion and manifest presence—closely parallels Prov 8’s language of Wisdom’s intimate, joyful presence with God.
Alternative generated candidates
- then I was beside him as a master craftsman; I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him,
- then I was beside him as a craftsman; I was his delight day by day, rejoicing always before him,
Pro.8.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- משחקת: VERB,qal,ptc,-,f,sg
- בתבל: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ארצו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+3,ms
- ושעשעי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs+1cs
- את: PRT,acc
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 8:30 (verbal): Immediate context — the same speech of Wisdom: 'I was beside him...' and rejoicing in the earth, closely parallel in wording and thought to v.31.
- Proverbs 9:4-6 (thematic): Wisdom invites humans to share a joyful feast (call to 'come, eat of my bread'), emphasizing Wisdom's delight in and concern for human beings.
- Proverbs 3:13-18 (thematic): Portrays Wisdom as a source of blessedness and delight (tree of life, long life, riches), echoing the theme of Wisdom bringing joy and benefit to people.
- Psalm 104:31 (thematic): Speaks of God rejoicing in his works ('May the glory of the LORD endure... may the LORD rejoice in his works'), paralleling Wisdom's rejoicing in the habitable earth.
- Zephaniah 3:17 (thematic): Describes the LORD rejoicing over his people with gladness and love — a close theological parallel to Wisdom's delight in 'the sons of men.'
Alternative generated candidates
- rejoicing in his inhabited world and delighting in the children of man.
- rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth and delighting in the children of man.
Pro.8.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- בנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ואשרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- דרכי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,_,sg
- ישמרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 3:1-2 (verbal): Same parental address and injunction to 'keep' teaching/commandments; promises of length of days and well‑being for those who follow wisdom's ways.
- Matthew 7:24 (verbal): Jesus: 'Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them...'—the pairing of hearing and doing that produces the blessed/wise person echoes Proverbs' 'hear... and keep my ways.'
- Deuteronomy 6:3 (thematic): Imperative to hear and observe God's instruction 'that it may be well with you'—the theme of listening to instruction and receiving blessing is parallel to Proverbs' exhortation.
- Joshua 1:8 (thematic): Keeping and meditating on the law leads to success and prosperity—akin to the promise of blessedness for those who keep wisdom's ways.
- Psalm 1:1-2 (thematic): The blessed person is defined by delighting in and following God's law—parallel emphasis on blessedness tied to keeping divine/wisdom instruction.
Alternative generated candidates
- And now, my children, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways.
- And now, my children, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways.
Pro.8.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמעו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- מוסר: NOUN,m,sg,const
- וחכמו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תפרעו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:5 (verbal): Uses the same imperative to hear and links hearing with gaining wisdom/learning (’let the wise hear…’), echoing 'hear instruction and be wise.'
- Proverbs 4:1 (verbal): Begins with the command 'Hear, O sons, a father's instruction,' directly mirroring the call to receive instruction in Prov 8:33.
- Proverbs 9:9 (verbal): Urges giving instruction to the wise so they become wiser—same concern for receiving and growing in wisdom through instruction.
- Proverbs 19:20 (verbal): ’Listen to advice and accept instruction’ closely parallels the language and exhortation of Prov 8:33 to hear and learn from instruction.
- James 1:22 (thematic): Commands not merely to hear but to act ('be doers of the word'), resonating with Prov 8:33’s warning not to neglect the instruction one receives.
Alternative generated candidates
- Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.
- Hear instruction and be wise; do not refuse it.
Pro.8.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- אדם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לשקד: VERB,qal,infc
- על: PREP
- דלתתי: NOUN,f,sg,cs+prs1,sg
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לשמר: VERB,qal,inf
- מזוזת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- פתחי: NOUN,m,pl,const
Parallels
- Proverbs 1:33 (verbal): Same wisdom-tradition promise: whoever listens to Wisdom will 'dwell secure'—both verses link active listening/keeping to blessing and safety.
- Psalm 1:2–3 (thematic): Both portray the blessed person as one who continually attends to divine instruction (meditates day and night) and so prospers—parallel theme of sustained attentiveness producing blessing.
- Luke 11:28 (verbal): Jesus' beatitude 'Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it' echoes Proverbs' link between hearing Wisdom and being blessed, stressing both hearing and response.
- Revelation 3:20 (allusion): Door/gate imagery: Christ standing at the door and knocking resonates with Wisdom's scene of gates/thresholds and the motif of access and invitation to fellowship for those who attend.
- James 1:22 (thematic): James' admonition to be 'doers of the word, not hearers only' complements Proverbs' emphasis that hearing Wisdom implies continued watchfulness and practical fidelity leading to blessing.
Alternative generated candidates
- Happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, keeping the posts of my doors.
- Blessed is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
Pro.8.35 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- מצאי: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,sg
- מצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ויפק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- רצון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מיהוה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Prov.3.18 (verbal): Wisdom personified as life—'She is a tree of life to those who lay hold on her' parallels 'whoever finds me finds life.' Both link finding/holding wisdom with life/blessing.
- Prov.4.22 (verbal): Speaks of 'they are life to those who find them,' echoing the motif that discovering instructional words/wisdom yields life, directly paralleling Prov 8:35's 'finds life.'
- John 14:6 (thematic): Jesus' claim 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life' functions as a New Testament personification of wisdom; parallels the idea that encountering the divine Wisdom results in life.
- John 10:10 (thematic): 'I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly' echoes the life-giving function attributed to divine self-revelation—parallel to finding Wisdom and receiving life in Prov 8:35.
- Gen.6.8 (verbal): 'Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD' uses the same language of 'finding favor' (מָצָא חֵן) as Prov 8:35's 'and obtains favor from the LORD,' linking the idea of being found/receiving God's favor.
Alternative generated candidates
- For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD;
- For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the LORD.
Pro.8.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וחטאי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חמס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נפשו: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- משנאי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cs
- אהבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,3ms.obj
- מות: VERB,qal,infabs
Parallels
- Prov.8.35 (structural): Immediate literary contrast within the same speech: 8:35 promises life to those who find Wisdom, while 8:36 states that those who sin/hate Wisdom embrace death.
- Prov.1:32 (verbal): Similar diction and theme: turning away from Wisdom/discipline brings destruction—'the simple are killed by their turning away' echoes the idea that rejecting wisdom leads to death.
- Prov.11:19 (thematic): Parallel proverb theology: steadfast righteousness yields life, whereas pursuing evil results in death—mirrors 'all who hate me love death.'
- Rom.6:23 (thematic): New Testament theological parallel: 'the wages of sin is death'—echoes the claim that opposition to wisdom (sin) leads to death.
Alternative generated candidates
- but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all who hate me love death.
- But he who sins against me harms his own life; all who hate me love death.
Does not Wisdom call out, and Understanding lift up her voice?
On the heights, at the crossroads she stands; beside the road, at the entrance to the gates she takes her place.
By the gates, at the openings of the city, at the entryways she cries aloud:
"To you, O people, I call; my voice is to all humanity.
Pay attention, simple ones, and gain prudence; fools, acquire discernment of heart.
Listen—for I will speak of noble things; the opening of my lips declares what is right.
For my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing twisted or crooked is in them.
They are all plain to the discerning, and straight to those who find knowledge.
Take my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than chosen gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; none of your treasures compare with her.
I am Wisdom, dwelling with prudence; I possess knowledge and insight.
The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverse speech.
To me belong counsel and sound judgment; I am understanding, I have might.
Through me kings govern, and rulers decree justice.
By me princes rule, nobles—even all who govern rightly.
I love those who love me, and those who seek me will find me.
With me are riches and honor, enduring wealth and righteousness.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; my yield surpasses choice silver.
I walk in the way of righteousness, along the pathways of justice.
To those who love me I give substance; I will fill their treasuries.
The LORD acquired me at the beginning of his way, the first of his acts long ago.
From eternity I was set up, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth.
When there were no depths I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water.
Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth.
Before he made the earth, the fields, and the first of the dust of the world,
when he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep.
When he made firm the skies above, when he strengthened the springs of the deep,
when he set for the sea its limit so the waters would not transgress his command, when he marked out the foundations of the earth,
then I was beside him as a craftsman; I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him.
I rejoiced in his inhabited world; my delight was with the children of men. Now therefore, children, listen to me—blessed are those who keep my ways.
Hear instruction and be wise; do not despise it.
Happy is the one who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, keeping watch at my doors.
For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD. But those who sin against me wrong their own souls; all who hate me love death."