Proverbs 8:7 kjv

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Proverbs 8:7 nkjv

For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Proverbs 8:7 niv

My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness.

Proverbs 8:7 esv

for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Proverbs 8:7 nlt

for I speak the truth
and detest every kind of deception.

Proverbs 8 verses

Proverbs 8 7 Meaning

Proverbs 8:7 declares that personified Wisdom's speech is fundamentally truthful and trustworthy, embodying fidelity and reliability. Conversely, all forms of wickedness are utterly repugnant to her lips, demonstrating her complete moral purity and rejection of all evil. Her pronouncements are excellent and righteous because they are rooted in and reflect truth while simultaneously abhorring unrighteousness.

Proverbs 8 7 Context

Proverbs 8 portrays Wisdom personified, not as an abstract quality, but as an active agent appealing to humanity. She stands in prominent public places (v. 1-3), contrasting her open invitation with the hidden ways of folly. Prior to verse 7, Wisdom declares that her words are noble, right, plain to the discerning, and contain excellent things (v. 6). Verse 7 serves as the ethical foundation for these claims: her speech is trustworthy and beneficial because it stems from absolute truth and has no tolerance for wickedness. This chapter elevates wisdom far beyond mere cleverness, presenting it as intimately linked with God's very nature and His righteous order of creation. It sets the stage for Wisdom's profound discourse on her pre-existence and role in creation in the latter part of the chapter (v. 22-31), underlining her inherent authority and purity.

Proverbs 8 7 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): An assertive conjunction meaning "indeed," "surely," or "because." It introduces the reason or explanation for Wisdom's previous claims (Prov 8:6), establishing the moral integrity of her counsel.
• my mouth (פִּי, pi): Refers to the instrument of speech. In Hebrew thought, the mouth and lips are intimately connected with the heart's true character and inner disposition (compare Mt 15:18).
• shall utter (יֶהְגֶּה, yehgeh): From the root hagah, meaning "to murmur," "meditate," "mutter," or "speak." It suggests a deliberate, deep, and reflective articulation rather than casual utterance. It implies profound thought culminating in clear expression.
• truth (אֱמֶת, emet): More than mere factual accuracy. It signifies faithfulness, reliability, stability, consistency, and ultimate reality. It speaks to the integrity and dependable nature of Wisdom's very being and words.
• and wickedness (וְרֶשַׁע, veresha): From resha', denoting moral corruption, unrighteousness, injustice, or evil deeds. It covers a broad spectrum of ethical and spiritual wrongdoings, encompassing anything contrary to God's standard.
• is an abomination (תּוֹעֵבָה, to'evah): A strong Hebrew term used frequently to describe something utterly detestable or repugnant, particularly in a theological or moral sense, often related to actions contrary to God's character and law (e.g., idolatry, sexual perversion, deceit). Here, it expresses Wisdom's profound aversion, implying an utter moral revulsion.
• to my lips (שְׂפָתַי, sefatai): Poetic synonym for "my mouth," reinforcing the idea that Wisdom's very expression and utterances are devoid of, and utterly opposed to, anything wicked. It highlights that Wisdom's integrity is demonstrated even in her verbal expressions.

Proverbs 8 7 Words-group by words-group analysis

• "For my mouth shall utter truth": This phrase emphasizes that truth flows naturally and purposefully from Wisdom's core being. Her every word is infused with genuine integrity, reliability, and objective reality; she not only expresses truth but embodies it through deliberate and weighty speech.
• "and wickedness is an abomination to my lips": This second phrase provides a crucial ethical contrast and balance. Not only does Wisdom speak truth, but she actively and deeply abhors everything contrary to truth and righteousness. Her opposition to evil is absolute and inherent, demonstrating her pure moral character. The combination highlights that wisdom isn't just knowing facts; it profoundly involves a moral stance that champions good and vehemently rejects evil, particularly as manifested in corrupt speech.

Proverbs 8 7 Bonus section

The robust personification of Wisdom in Proverbs 8 has profound Christological implications within Christian theology. Many prominent biblical scholars and the Early Church Fathers interpreted this figure as a pre-incarnate manifestation or prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. Just as Wisdom pre-existed with God before the foundation of the world (Prov 8:22-31) and played an instrumental role in the creative order, so too Christ is identified as the eternal Word (Jn 1:1) through whom all things were created (Col 1:16). Therefore, Proverbs 8:7's description of Wisdom's inherent truthfulness and absolute opposition to wickedness directly points to the very nature of God the Son: perfectly truthful in all His utterances and utterly righteous, having no fellowship or affinity with ungodliness. This verse establishes Wisdom not merely as a beneficial human trait or abstract concept, but as a morally pure, divine attribute, intrinsic to God's very being and revealed in His Word and His Son.

Proverbs 8 7 Commentary

Proverbs 8:7 articulates the foundational moral integrity of personified Wisdom, justifying the inherent authority and beneficence of her instruction. Her utterances are inherently reliable (emet) because truth is not merely a subject she discusses, but her very essence and defining characteristic. This truth is spoken forth with profound intent (yehgeh), demonstrating careful deliberation. Conversely, her rejection of wickedness (resha') is absolute and visceral; it is an "abomination" (to'evah) to her. This signifies not mere disapproval, but deep repugnance and complete alienation from deceit, unrighteousness, or moral compromise. Wisdom's nature is intrinsically pure and separated from anything that is not good. For the believer, this verse resonates deeply with the character of Jesus Christ, the living embodiment of divine Wisdom, who declared Himself "the Truth" (Jn 14:6) and whose very being and teaching are an absolute light dispelling all darkness of sin (1 Jn 1:5). Thus, true wisdom, divine in origin, not only guides towards righteousness but actively wars against every form of evil through its inherent being and expressed Word. This provides a clear standard for those who seek to live wisely: to consistently embrace and speak truth while utterly rejecting and separating from wickedness in both speech and deed.

• Practical application: A person truly guided by Wisdom will meticulously weigh their words to ensure truthfulness and integrity, reflecting their inner disposition. Simultaneously, they will have a deep aversion to, and actively distance themselves from, gossip, slander, deceitful communication, or any form of verbal dishonesty.