Proverbs 1:20 kjv

Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:

Proverbs 1:20 nkjv

Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares.

Proverbs 1:20 niv

Out in the open wisdom calls aloud, she raises her voice in the public square;

Proverbs 1:20 esv

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice;

Proverbs 1:20 nlt

Wisdom shouts in the streets.
She cries out in the public square.

Proverbs 1 verses

Proverbs 1 20 Meaning

Proverbs 1:20 presents Wisdom as a personified entity who publicly and persistently proclaims her message in easily accessible locations. She is depicted not as hidden or secretive, but as actively seeking to instruct humanity by raising her voice in the city's thoroughfares, inviting all to listen and embrace her truth. This verse emphasizes Wisdom's omnipresence, her vocal appeal, and her earnest desire for people to choose the path of understanding and righteousness.

Proverbs 1 20 Context

Proverbs chapter 1 serves as the crucial introduction to the entire book, articulating its purpose to impart wisdom, instruction, understanding, and righteousness (Prov 1:1-6). It then establishes the foundational principle for all true knowledge: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Prov 1:7). Verses 1:10-19 detail the alluring, yet destructive, temptations of evil companions and their secretive schemes. Immediately contrasting with this stealthy darkness, Proverbs 1:20 presents the vibrant, public declaration of Lady Wisdom. This juxtaposition highlights that while evil hides in shadowy plots, true Wisdom is open, accessible, and actively calls to humanity. Historically and culturally, "the gates," "squares," and "streets" were the central hubs of ancient Israelite and Near Eastern cities—places for commerce, legal judgments, public announcements, and social gatherings. Prophets would often deliver their messages in these very places. Thus, Wisdom, by proclaiming her message here, signals its universal availability to all who frequent such public spaces, directly challenging the hidden and deceptive invitations of sin.

Proverbs 1 20 Word analysis

• Wisdom (חָכְמוֹת, Chokmot): This Hebrew term is a plural form of chochmah (wisdom), used here in a feminine grammatical sense and as a singular concept. The plural often intensifies the meaning, indicating "true wisdom," "consummate wisdom," or "Wisdom par excellence." The personification of Wisdom as "she" (a lady or queen) is prominent throughout Proverbs, particularly in chapters 8 and 9. This points to wisdom not merely as an abstract concept, but as an active, personal agent, embodying divine principles and intelligence. Many theological interpretations link this personified Wisdom to the pre-existent Christ, the Logos (Word) of God (Jn 1:1-3, Col 2:3).
• calls aloud (תָּרֹן, taron): Derived from the verb ranan (רנן), meaning "to cry aloud," "to shout," "to utter a ringing cry." This denotes a loud, public, and persistent proclamation, not a quiet suggestion or whisper. It implies an urgent and forceful message meant to penetrate through the daily din, emphasizing the importance and immediacy of her call.
• outside (בַּחוּץ, bachoots): Literally "in the street" or "in the open air." This term signifies a place of public visibility and accessibility, contrasting sharply with secret plots or hidden dangers mentioned elsewhere. It highlights that Wisdom is not elusive or reserved for a select few but is offered openly to everyone.
• she raises her voice (תִּתֵּן קוֹלָהּ, titen qolah): Literally "she gives her voice." This emphasizes the active, intentional, and audible nature of Wisdom's proclamation. It reinforces the idea that Wisdom is not passive; she takes the initiative to be heard and understood.
• open squares (בָּרְחֹבוֹת, barechovot): The plural of rechov (רחוב), referring to broad streets, plazas, or market areas—the most frequented public gathering places in an ancient city. These were social and commercial hubs where news, judgments, and proclamations were made. Wisdom choosing these venues underscores her desire for a universal audience and her opposition to the secrecy of evildoers (Prov 1:11-12). It implies that the truth is found in plain sight, not in hidden places.
• Word Group Analysis: The phrase "calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares" functions as a powerful metaphor for Wisdom's public and relentless outreach. It vividly contrasts the hidden, whispered invitations of sinners described in previous verses (Prov 1:10-19) with Wisdom's bold, universal, and clear proclamation. This group of words paints a picture of Divine truth being freely and persistently available to all, in the very places where daily life unfolds and decisions are made. It highlights Wisdom's urgency and her inherent nature to be revealed rather than concealed.

Proverbs 1 20 Bonus section

The depiction of Wisdom as crying out publicly anticipates the recurring theme throughout Proverbs that genuine wisdom is practical and relevant to everyday life, not just theoretical knowledge for a select few. It sets up the stark contrast that will be elaborated in Proverbs 1:22-33: those who despise wisdom will face severe consequences for their deliberate rejection. The "crying aloud" action signifies not only volume but also a sense of prophetic urgency, echoing how God sent prophets to publicly call Israel back to Himself. Furthermore, this initial portrayal of Wisdom’s public and active nature forms the foundation for her more extensive personification in later chapters (especially Proverbs 8), where her attributes and divine origin are further revealed, establishing a connection that Christians often see fulfilled in Jesus Christ, "the wisdom of God" (1 Cor 1:24).

Proverbs 1 20 Commentary

Proverbs 1:20 introduces Lady Wisdom as a dynamic, vocal evangelist of truth, proclaiming her essential principles not in secluded studies but in the most public arenas of ancient society. Her choice to "call aloud outside" and "raise her voice in the open squares" symbolizes her accessibility and insistence on being heard by all. She does not await an exclusive audience but offers her life-giving counsel to the common person, challenging their inattentiveness amidst the clamor of life. This open, persistent invitation highlights God's grace—His truth is not hidden but eagerly seeks us out. However, this also implies accountability: with such clear, public declaration, ignorance or rejection of Wisdom's ways becomes a matter of willful neglect. Her voice offers clarity in a world of moral confusion, inviting individuals to abandon folly and embrace a path of understanding and blessing.For example, imagine a public health expert urgently announcing life-saving advice in a bustling city market, not whispering it in a closed room. Her open, loud warning indicates the importance of the message and the grave consequences of ignoring it. Similarly, Wisdom urgently calls out in the 'public square' of life, for individuals to listen to what is good and beneficial for them.