Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

PROVERBS 8:6KJV
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Proverbs 8:6 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 8:6 mean?

Proverbs 8:6 urges the listener to pay attention because what is about to be said is excellent and right. The speaker promises that the words coming from their mouth will be trustworthy and good.

In this part of Proverbs, wisdom is pictured as a woman calling out to people, inviting them to listen. The verse highlights that what wisdom offers is not just ordinary advice, but words that are noble and morally upright. The focus is on the quality and reliability of wisdom’s message, encouraging the reader to value and heed it.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 8:6

  • "Hear" (שָׁמַע, shamaʿ) means more than just listening; it often carries the sense of paying close attention or obeying. The verse is not just about hearing sounds, but about taking wisdom seriously.
  • "Excellent things" (נְגִידִים, negidim) is a word that can mean things that are princely, noble, or of high rank. This suggests that what wisdom says is not just good, but outstanding and worthy of respect.
  • "Right things" (מֵישָׁרִים, mesharim) refers to things that are upright, straight, or just. Wisdom’s speech is not only impressive but also morally correct and fair.

Why Proverbs 8:6 matters

  • Proverbs 8:6 makes clear that wisdom’s message is not ordinary or trivial; it is noble and trustworthy, setting a high standard for what is worth listening to.
  • The verse helps the reader see that wisdom is not hidden or mysterious—she openly invites everyone to listen, making her guidance accessible.
  • By stressing the quality of wisdom’s words, Proverbs 8:6 prepares the reader to value what follows in the chapter and to recognize the importance of seeking true wisdom.

Where else these words appear

“things” Hebrew H4339 · used in 19 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17 I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.
  • Psalms 98:9 Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
  • Song of Solomon 1:4 Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.

“things” Hebrew H5057 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Samuel 9:16 To morrow about this time I will send thee a man out of the land of Benjamin, and thou shalt anoint him to be captain over my people Israel, that he may save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked upon my people, because their cry is come unto me.
  • 1 Chronicles 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: over which Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his brother was the next.