8:6–9

In these four verses, Wisdom’s words are described with a series of expressions that largely overlap in meaning. The notes will try to explain any similarities and differences so that you can look for words or expressions in your language that cover a similar range of meaning. Other languages may use more terms or fewer terms than Hebrew or English.

8:6

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning:

6a Listen, for I speak of noble things,

6b
and the opening of my lips will reveal right.

8:6a

Listen, for I speak of noble things: In this verse, Wisdom gives the first reason why people should listen to her words. It’s because what she says is noble. Other ways to translate this word are:

worthy (New International Version)
-or-
excellent (Good News Translation)
-or-
worthwhile (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
important

8:6b

and the opening of my lips will reveal right: The phrase and the opening of my lips will reveal is a poetic way to say “I speak.” The New Jerusalem Bible expresses it as:

when I speak, my words are right. (New Jerusalem Bible)

The word translated by most English versions as right means “honest,” “straightforward,” or “fair.” See the note on 1:3b. It does not mean “right” in the sense of “correct.” So this line may be translated as:

All the words that come from my mouth are fair/honest.

General Comment on 8:6a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to combine and/or reorder the parallel expressions about speaking. For example:

Listen, because what I say is worthwhile and right. (Contemporary English Version)

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