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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/1-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_01_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 1:20 - Wisdom Calls Aloud" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/1-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/1-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm" title="Proverbs 1:19">◄</a> Proverbs 1:20 <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm" title="Proverbs 1:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom shouts in the street, She raises her voice in the public square;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Wisdom shouts in the street, She gives forth her voice in the square;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom shouts in the street, She raises her voice in the markets;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom calls out in the street; she makes her voice heard in the public squares.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom crieth aloud in the street; She uttereth her voice in the broad places;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wisdom crieth aloud in the street; she uttereth her voice in the broad places;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom sings her song in the streets. In the public squares she raises her voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Listen! Wisdom is calling out in the streets and marketplaces, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom cries out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom calls out in the street, she shouts loudly in the plazas; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom calls aloud in the street. She utters her voice in the public squares. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom cries aloud in an out-place, "" She gives forth her voice in broad places,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Wisdom in an out-place crieth aloud, In broad places she giveth forth her voice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom will cry without; in the broad places she will give her voice:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom preacheth abroad, she uttereth her voice in the streets: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Wisdom forewarns far and wide; she bestows her voice in the streets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the open squares she raises her voice; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Wisdom cries out in the street; in the squares she raises her voice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wisdom is glorified in the market places; she raises her voice in the streets:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Wisdom is praised in the market and raises her voice in the street.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wisdom crieth aloud in the streets, She uttereth her voice in the broad places;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wisdom sings aloud in passages, and in the broad places speaks boldly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/1-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=118" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/1.htm">Wisdom Calls Aloud</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2451.htm" title="2451: ḥā·ḵə·mō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Wisdom. From chakam; wisdom.">Wisdom</a> <a href="/hebrew/7442.htm" title="7442: tā·rōn·nāh (V-Qal-Imperf-3fp) -- To give a ringing cry. A primitive root; properly, to creak, i.e. To shout.">calls out</a> <a href="/hebrew/2351.htm" title="2351: ba·ḥūṣ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- The outside, a street. Or chuts; from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. Outside, outdoors.">in the street,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: tit·tên (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">she lifts</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: qō·w·lāh (N-msc:: 3fs) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">her voice</a> <a href="/hebrew/7339.htm" title="7339: bā·rə·ḥō·ḇō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A broad open place, plaza. Or rchowb; from rachab; a width, i.e. avenue or area.">in the square;</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech:…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Proverbs 8:1-3</a></span><br />Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-19.htm">Matthew 11:19</a></span><br />The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">Proverbs 9:1-6</a></span><br />Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. / She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. / She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24</a></span><br />but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-1.htm">Isaiah 55:1-3</a></span><br />“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Luke 11:49</a></span><br />Because of this, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles; some of them they will kill and others they will persecute.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-13.htm">Proverbs 3:13-18</a></span><br />Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-3.htm">Colossians 2:3</a></span><br />in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm">Isaiah 40:3-5</a></span><br />A voice of one calling: “Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert. / Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low; the uneven ground will become smooth, and the rugged land a plain. / And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all humanity together will see it.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-37.htm">John 7:37-39</a></span><br />On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” / He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/2-1.htm">Proverbs 2:1-6</a></span><br />My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-6.htm">1 Corinthians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Among the mature, however, we speak a message of wisdom—but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. / No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-4.htm">Isaiah 51:4-5</a></span><br />Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly. / My righteousness draws near, My salvation is on the way, and My arms will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look for Me and wait in hope for My arm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">Matthew 23:34</a></span><br />Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:</p><p class="hdg">wisdom</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-54.htm">Matthew 13:54</a></b></br> And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this <i>man</i> this wisdom, and <i>these</i> mighty works?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Luke 11:49</a></b></br> Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and <i>some</i> of them they shall slay and persecute:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm">1 Corinthians 1:24,30</a></b></br> But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God… </p><p class="hdg">crieth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-1.htm">Proverbs 8:1-5</a></b></br> Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/9-3.htm">Proverbs 9:3</a></b></br> She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/7-37.htm">John 7:37</a></b></br> In the last day, that great <i>day</i> of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/149-5.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/psalms/144-14.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-3.htm">Broadways</a> <a href="/psalms/147-4.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/psalms/149-5.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/psalms/84-2.htm">Crieth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-65.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/psalms/147-18.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/145-14.htm">Lifts</a> <a href="/luke/20-46.htm">Markets</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Open</a> <a href="/ezekiel/34-21.htm">Out-Place</a> <a href="/psalms/148-7.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/68-11.htm">Public</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Raises</a> <a href="/psalms/146-8.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Shouts</a> <a href="/job/29-7.htm">Square</a> <a href="/job/24-20.htm">Squares</a> <a href="/psalms/55-11.htm">Street</a> <a href="/psalms/144-14.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/psalms/71-24.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/psalms/101-7.htm">Utters</a> <a href="/psalms/142-1.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Aloud</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Broad</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Broadways</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Calls</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Cries</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Crieth</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-3.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/isaiah/40-15.htm">Lifts</a> <a href="/ezekiel/27-12.htm">Markets</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-10.htm">Open</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-12.htm">Out-Place</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Places</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Public</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Raises</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Raiseth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Shouts</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">Square</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-16.htm">Squares</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-8.htm">Street</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Uttereth</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Utters</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-1.htm">The use of the proverbs</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">An exhortation to fear God, and believe his word</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-10.htm">to avoid the enticing of sinners</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">Wisdom complains of her contempt</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">She threatens her contemners</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Wisdom calls out in the street</b><br>This phrase personifies wisdom as a woman, a common literary device in Hebrew poetry. The streets represent public places where people gather, symbolizing that wisdom is accessible to all. In ancient Israel, city streets were bustling with activity, making them ideal for public announcements. This imagery suggests that wisdom is not hidden or exclusive but available to everyone who seeks it. The call of wisdom in public spaces echoes the prophetic tradition, where prophets often delivered messages in public to ensure they reached a wide audience. This aligns with the biblical theme that God desires all people to know and follow His ways.<p><b>She lifts her voice in the square</b><br>The square, or marketplace, was the center of social and economic life in ancient cities. It was a place of commerce, legal proceedings, and social interaction. By lifting her voice in the square, wisdom is portrayed as actively seeking to engage with people in their daily lives. This setting emphasizes the practical nature of wisdom, as it applies to everyday decisions and interactions. The public proclamation of wisdom in the square can be seen as a type of Christ, who also taught in public places and called people to follow Him. This connection highlights the continuity of God's revelation through wisdom and the teachings of Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom.htm">Wisdom</a></b><br>Personified as a woman, Wisdom is depicted as actively seeking to impart knowledge and understanding to those who will listen. In the Hebrew text, the word for wisdom is (chokmot), which is in the plural form, suggesting a fullness or completeness of wisdom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_street.htm">The Street</a></b><br>Represents the public sphere where daily life occurs. It is a place accessible to all, symbolizing that wisdom is available to everyone who seeks it.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_square.htm">The Square</a></b><br>A central place in ancient cities where people gathered for social, commercial, and legal activities. It signifies a place of influence and decision-making.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_accessibility_of_wisdom.htm">The Accessibility of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not hidden or exclusive; it is available to all who are willing to listen and learn. We must be attentive to the voice of wisdom in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_public_nature_of_wisdom.htm">The Public Nature of Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom is not just for private contemplation but is meant to be lived out in the public sphere. Our actions and decisions should reflect the wisdom we receive from God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_responding_to_wisdom.htm">The Urgency of Responding to Wisdom</a></b><br>Wisdom calls out urgently, indicating the importance of responding promptly. Delaying our response to wisdom can lead to missed opportunities and consequences.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_wisdom.htm">The Role of Community in Wisdom</a></b><br>The setting of the street and square suggests that wisdom is often found and applied within community. Engaging with others can help us grow in understanding and discernment.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_source_of_true_wisdom.htm">The Source of True Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom comes from God and aligns with His Word. We should seek wisdom through prayer, scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_wisdom's_public_call_in_israel.htm">If wisdom is portrayed as calling out in public (Proverbs 1:20–21), what historical or archaeological evidence supports such personification in ancient Israel? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_wisdom_'she'_in_proverbs.htm">Why is Wisdom personified as "she" in Proverbs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_1_devalue_secular_ethics.htm">Does the insistence on divine wisdom in Proverbs 1 undermine the value and validity of secular ethics or knowledge sources?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_life_advice_does_proverbs_give.htm">What wisdom and guidance does Proverbs offer for life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(b)<span class= "ital"> Second Discourse:</span>--<span class= "ital">Wisdom Addresses her Despisers </span>(<a href="/context/proverbs/1-20.htm" title="Wisdom cries without; she utters her voice in the streets:">Proverbs 1:20-33</a>).<p>(20) <span class= "bld">Wisdom.--</span>The form of the Hebrew term (<span class= "ital">chokhmoth</span>) has been taken for an abstract singular noun, but probably it is the plural of <span class= "ital">chokhmah </span>(<a href="/proverbs/1-2.htm" title="To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;">Proverbs 1:2</a>), signifying the multiform excellences of wisdom. It is possible that Solomon may have originally meant in this passage only to describe, in highly poetic language, the influence and work in their generation of those in whom "the fear of the Lord" dwells. So, too, many of the Psalms (Psalms 45, for example), in the first instance it would seem, are intended to describe the excellence of some earthly saint or king, yet they are completely fulfilled only in the Son of man, the ideal of all that is noblest and best in man. And thus the description of Wisdom in her manifold activity, as represented in Proverbs 1, 8, 9, so closely corresponds to the work of our Lord, as depicted in the New Testament, that from the earliest times of Christianity these passages have been held to be a prophecy of Him; and there is good reason for such a view. For a comparison of <a href="/luke/11-49.htm" title="Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:">Luke 11:49</a> ("Therefore also said the wisdom of God, Behold, I send," &c.) with <a href="/matthew/23-34.htm" title="Why, behold, I send to you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them you shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall you whip in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:">Matthew 23:34</a> (where He says, "Behold, I send") would seem to show that He applied the title to Himself. St. Paul in like manner speaks of Him as the "Wisdom of God" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-24.htm" title="But to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.">1Corinthians 1:24</a>); says He has been "made unto us wisdom" (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm" title="But of him are you in Christ Jesus, who of God is made to us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:">1Corinthians 1:30</a>); and that in Him "are hid all the treasures of wisdom" (<a href="/colossians/2-3.htm" title=" In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.">Colossians 2:3</a>). For passages from the Fathers embodying this view, see references in Bishop Wordsworth on this chapter. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 20-33.</span> - 2. <span class="accented">Second admonitory discourse. Address of Wisdom personified, exhibing the folly of those who wilfully reject, and the security of those who hearken to, her counsels.</span> The sacred writer, in this section, as also in ch. 8, uses the rhetorical figure of prosopopceia, or impersonation. Wisdom is represented as speaking and as addressing the simple, scorners, and fools. The address itself is one of the noblest specimens of sacred eloquence, expressing in rapid succession the strongest phases of feeling - pathetic solicitude with abundant promise, indignant scorn at the rejection of her appeal, the judicial severity of offended majesty upon offenders, and lastly the judicial complacency which delights in mercy towards the obedient. The imagery in part is taken from the forces of nature in their irresistible and overwhelming violence and destructive potency. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wisdom crieth without.</span> <span class="accented">Wisdom</span>. The Hebrew word (<span class="accented">khochmoth</span>) here used to designate Wisdom seems to be an abstract derivation from the ordinary <span class="accented">khochmah.</span> The form is peculiar to the Proverbs and Psalms, in the former occurring four times (<a href="/proverbs/1-22.htm">Proverbs 1:22</a>; <a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">Proverbs 9:1</a>; <a href="/proverbs/14-1.htm">Proverbs 14:1</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-7.htm">Proverbs 24:7</a>), and in the latter twice only (viz. <a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a>; <a href="/psalms/78-15.htm">Psalm 78:15</a>). As in <a href="/proverbs/9-1.htm">Proverbs 9:1</a> and Proverbs 24:7, it is a <span class="accented">pluralis excellentiae</span> of the feminine gender, a variety of the <span class="accented">pluralis extensivus</span>, as Bottcher prefers to denominate it. The feminine form may he determined by the general law which associates purity and serenity with womanhood (Plumptre). The idea of plurality, however, is not that of extension, but of comprehension, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> it is not so much all kinds of wisdom which is presented to us, as all the varieties under which wisdom <span class="accented">par excellence</span> may be regarded and is comprehended. The plural form of the word denotes the highest character or excellence in which wisdom can be conceived; or, as the marginal reading expresses it, wisdoms, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> excellent wisdom. Other instances of the <span class="accented">pluralis excellentiae</span> are met with in Holy Writ, <span class="accented">e.g. Elohim</span>, God, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "God of Gods," either from the polytheistic view, or from the monotheistic view as expressive of God's might in manifestation, <span class="accented">passim</span>; <span class="accented">k'doshim</span>, "the Holy (God)," <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>; <a href="/proverbs/30-3.htm">Proverbs 30:3</a>; <span class="accented">adonim</span>, for <span class="accented">adon</span> "lord" (Gesenius, 'Gram.,' § 108. 2 <span class="accented">b</span>). In the conception of Wisdom here presented to us in the text we have the germ of an idea which, on the principles of expansion, developed subsequently in the consciousness of the Christian Church into a definite identification of Wisdom with the Second Person of the blessed Trinity. There is a striking parallel to this passage in <a href="/luke/11-49.htm">Luke 11:49</a>, where Christ speaks of himself as <span class="greek">ἡ Σοφία τοῦ Θεοῦ</span>, "the Wisdom of God," that shall send prophets and apostles into the world, and thereby identifies himself with Wisdom (cf. this with vers. 20, 21; ch. 7.). Again, a striking similarity is observable between the teaching of Divine Wisdom and that of the Incarnate Word, as much in their promises as in their threats and warnings. But it is difficult to determine with accuracy to what extent the Messianic import of the personification was present to the <span class="accented">consciousness</span> of the sacred writers, and whether Wisdom as here presented to us is simply a poetic and abstract personification or a distinct by-postatizing of the Word. Dorner ('Pers. of Christ,' Introd., p. 16), with reference to ch. 8:22, etc., says that though Wisdom is introduced speaking as a personality distinct from God, still the passage does not lead clearly to an hypostatizing of the Khochmah. Dollinger ('Heidenthum und Judenthum,' bk. 10. pt. 3. sec. 2 <span class="accented">a</span>, and <a href="/proverbs/8-22.htm">Proverbs 8:22</a>, etc.) maintains that Wisdom is "the personified idea of the mind of God in creation," rather than the presence of "a distinct hypostasis." Lucke (see references in Liddon, 'Bampton Lects.') holds that in Proverbs Wisdom is merely a personification It is clear that whatever is predicated of Wisdom in ch. 8. must be also predicated of her in the passage before us, in reference either to the hypostatic or opposite view. On the other hand, a large number of expositors, dating from the earliest periods of the Christian Church down to the present time, see in Wisdom a distinct hypostasis, or person - the Lord Jesus Christ. A fuller investigation of this subject will be seen in our remarks on ch. 8. For the present we observe that Wisdom is essentially Divine. Her authority, her utterances, whether of promise, threat, scorn, or vengeance, are the authority, the utterances, of God. <span class="accented">Crieth</span>; rather, <span class="accented">crieth loudly</span>, or <span class="accented">aloud.</span> The Hebrew verb <span class="accented">ranan</span> (<span class="hebrew">רָנַן</span>) is "to vibrate the voice," and conveys the idea of the clear loud ringing tones with which proclamations were made; cf. the Vulgate <span class="accented">praedicare</span>, and the Arabic <span class="accented">clamitate</span>, "to cry with a loud voice." Fleischer remarks that the Arabic <span class="accented">rannan</span>, which is allied to the Hebrew verb, is used of a speaker who has a clear piercing voice. In such a way does Wisdom cry without when making her address. She elevates her voice that all may hear. The verb in the original is <span class="accented">tazonnah</span>, the feminine singular of <span class="accented">ranan</span>, and predicate to "Wisdom," according to the rule that verbs in the singular are construed with plural nouns having a singular signification, especially the <span class="accented">pluralis excellentiae</span> (see Gesenius, 'Gram.,' § 146. 2). <span class="accented">Without.</span> <span class="hebrew">בַּהוּצ</span> (<span class="accented">bakhuts</span>) is here used adverbially, as in <a href="/genesis/9-22.htm">Genesis 9:22</a>, and signifies "in the open places," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> abroad, without, as opposed to the space within the walls. The writer here begins his enumeration of the five places wherein Wisdom preaches, viz. <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> without, <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> in the streets, <p><span class="note_emph">(3)</span> in chief places of concourse, . . . <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/1-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Wisdom</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֭כְמוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵə·mō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2454.htm">Strong's 2454: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wisdom, every wise woman </span><br /><br /><span class="word">calls out</span><br /><span class="heb">תָּרֹ֑נָּה</span> <span class="translit">(tā·rōn·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7442.htm">Strong's 7442: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give a ringing cry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the street,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּח֣וּץ</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2351.htm">Strong's 2351: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors</span><br /><br /><span class="word">she lifts</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּתֵּ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(tit·tên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">her voice</span><br /><span class="heb">קוֹלָֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(qō·w·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the square,</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֝רְחֹב֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bā·rə·ḥō·ḇō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7339.htm">Strong's 7339: </a> </span><span class="str2">A broad open place, plaza</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/1-20.htm">Proverbs 1:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/1-20.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 1:20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 1:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 1:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 1:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>