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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

Proverbs 8:3–11

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
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PASSAGE SELECTION

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9 selected · 1 available

Choose up to 10 verses in this chapter. The study tools update with the selected passage.

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

45 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 3

  1. Job 29:7Rank 1 from verse 3
    Open

    7When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street!

  2. Acts 5:20Rank 2 from verse 3
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    20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.

  3. John 18:20Rank 3 from verse 3
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    20Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.

  4. Luke 14:21–23Rank 4 from verse 3
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    21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.

    22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.

    23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

  5. Matthew 22:9Rank 5 from verse 3
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    9Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

From verse 4

  1. Matthew 11:15Rank 1 from verse 4
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    15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

  2. John 3:16Rank 2 from verse 4
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    16¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  3. Psalms 49:1–3Rank 3 from verse 4
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    1HEAR this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:

    2Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

    3My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.

  4. Psalms 50:1Rank 4 from verse 4
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    1THE mighty God, even the Lord, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

  5. Revelation 22:17Rank 5 from verse 4
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    17And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

From verse 5

  1. Proverbs 1:22Rank 1 from verse 5
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    22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

  2. Acts 26:18Rank 2 from verse 5
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    18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

  3. Proverbs 9:4Rank 3 from verse 5
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    4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

  4. Revelation 3:17–18Rank 4 from verse 5
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    17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

    18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

  5. 1 Corinthians 6:9–11Rank 5 from verse 5
    Open

    9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

    10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

    11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

From verse 6

  1. Colossians 1:26Rank 1 from verse 6
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    26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

  2. Matthew 7:28–29Rank 2 from verse 6
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    28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

    29For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

  3. Matthew 13:35Rank 3 from verse 6
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    35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

  4. Proverbs 4:2Rank 4 from verse 6
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    2For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

  5. Proverbs 23:16Rank 5 from verse 6
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    16Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

From verse 7

  1. Psalms 37:30Rank 1 from verse 7
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    30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.

  2. John 8:14Rank 2 from verse 7
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    14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

  3. John 17:17Rank 3 from verse 7
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    17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

  4. Proverbs 12:22Rank 4 from verse 7
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    22Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

  5. Job 36:4Rank 5 from verse 7
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    4For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.

From verse 8

  1. John 7:46Rank 1 from verse 8
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    46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.

  2. Proverbs 8:13Rank 2 from verse 8
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    13The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

  3. Psalms 12:6Rank 3 from verse 8
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    6The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

  4. Deuteronomy 32:5Rank 4 from verse 8
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    5They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.

  5. Isaiah 45:23Rank 5 from verse 8
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    23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

From verse 9

  1. Proverbs 14:6Rank 1 from verse 9
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    6A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.

  2. James 1:5Rank 2 from verse 9
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    5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  3. John 7:17Rank 3 from verse 9
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    17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

  4. John 6:45Rank 4 from verse 9
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    45It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

  5. Psalms 25:12–14Rank 5 from verse 9
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    12What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.

    13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.

    14The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

From verse 10

  1. Proverbs 2:4–5Rank 1 from verse 10
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    4If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

    5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.

  2. Psalms 119:127Rank 2 from verse 10
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    127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

  3. Psalms 119:72Rank 3 from verse 10
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    72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

  4. Proverbs 23:23Rank 4 from verse 10
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    23Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

  5. Proverbs 3:13–15Rank 5 from verse 10
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    13¶ Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

    14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

    15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

From verse 11

  1. Proverbs 3:14–15Rank 1 from verse 11
    Open

    14For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

    15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

  2. Proverbs 4:5–7Rank 2 from verse 11
    Open

    5Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

    6Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

    7Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

  3. Proverbs 16:16Rank 3 from verse 11
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    16How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

  4. Psalms 119:127Rank 4 from verse 11
    Open

    127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.

  5. Psalms 19:10Rank 5 from verse 11
    Open

    10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:3

COMBINED MEANING

gates

↗

Movable barriers and the entrances they close in walls, cities, courts, houses, or enclosed places; by extension, the city, jurisdiction, public place, or access represented by those entrances.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

coming

↗

Sense 1: Present-participial form of come: approaching or arriving. Sense 2: The act, time, or event of approaching or arriving.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:4

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

call

↗

1. To name. 2. To summon or invite. 3. To proclaim or address. 4. To request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:5

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

simple

↗

Without guile; sincere or harmless; in other contexts, lacking wisdom or understanding.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fools

↗

Persons lacking wisdom or sound judgment, especially in moral or spiritual conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

understanding

↗

1. The capacity or act of perceiving, comprehending, discerning, judging, interpreting, or applying knowledge. 2. Knowledge, insight, wisdom, or prudent judgment possessed or gained. 3. Skill or ability in a work, art, subject, vision, saying, or interpretation.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

heart

↗

Sense 1: The bodily organ. Sense 2: The inward person: the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:6

COMBINED MEANING

hear

↗

Sense 1: To perceive sound or spoken words. Sense 2: To receive or learn by report. Sense 3: To listen to, regard, or heed. Sense 4: To attend favourably to a request.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

speak

↗

Sense 1: To utter words or articulate sounds, or to use a language. Sense 2: To address or converse with someone. Sense 3: To state, declare, make mention of, or otherwise make a matter known.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

lips

↗

Sense 1: The physical borders of the mouth. Sense 2: By extension, speech or utterance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

right

↗

1. Correct, just, upright, proper, lawful, fitting, true, or due; also a rightful claim or authority. 2. The direction or side opposite the left. 3. Straight, favourable, skilful, or approved. 4. Very, quite, or fully.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:7

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mouth

↗

Sense 1: The bodily opening used for eating, breathing, and speaking. Sense 2: The opening or entrance of a thing. Sense 3: Speech, utterance, or the agency of speaking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shall

↗

An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

speak

↗

Sense 1: To utter words or articulate sounds, or to use a language. Sense 2: To address or converse with someone. Sense 3: To state, declare, make mention of, or otherwise make a matter known.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

truth

↗

1. That which is true; conformity to fact or reality. 2. Faithfulness. 3. God's revealed word.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

abomination

↗

Sense 1: A person, thing, act, practice, creature, or condition regarded as detestable or loathsome. Sense 2: An idol or idolatrous thing so regarded.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

lips

↗

Sense 1: The physical borders of the mouth. Sense 2: By extension, speech or utterance.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:8

COMBINED MEANING

words

↗

Spoken or written expressions, sayings, statements, messages, commands, promises, reports, or units of meaningful speech.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mouth

↗

Sense 1: The bodily opening used for eating, breathing, and speaking. Sense 2: The opening or entrance of a thing. Sense 3: Speech, utterance, or the agency of speaking.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

froward

↗

1. Perverse or turned aside from what is right. 2. Contrary or opposed in conduct or response.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:9

COMBINED MEANING

plain

↗

1. A level tract of land. 2. Clear or evident. 3. Simple or unadorned.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

understandeth

↗

Third-person singular present form of understand, meaning to comprehend, perceive, discern, or know the meaning or significance of something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

right

↗

1. Correct, just, upright, proper, lawful, fitting, true, or due; also a rightful claim or authority. 2. The direction or side opposite the left. 3. Straight, favourable, skilful, or approved. 4. Very, quite, or fully.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

find

↗

To discover, meet with, obtain, perceive, or learn by search or experience.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:10

COMBINED MEANING

instruction

↗

Teaching or information that directs understanding and conduct; correction, discipline, or an instructive warning.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

silver

↗

A precious white metal used for money, vessels, ornaments, images, trade, valuation, and refining; by extension, money or wealth reckoned in that metal.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

choice

↗

Sense 1: The act of choosing; a selection. Sense 2: Selected, excellent, or preferred.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

DEFINED WORDS

Proverbs 8:11

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

better

↗

Sense 1: More excellent, more fitting, or to a greater degree. Sense 2: To improve or make better.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

desired

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of desire, meaning to wish for, long for, request, or take pleasure in.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

compared

↗

Past-tense, participial, or adjectival form of compare, meaning to examine together, liken, or set one thing beside another to show likeness or difference.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

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READ THE PASSAGE

View in context

Nearby verses · passage boundary unavailable · Proverbs 8:2–12

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

8:2She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

8:3She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.

Selected passage

8:4Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

Selected passage

8:5O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.

Selected passage

8:6Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

Selected passage

8:7For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Selected passage

8:8All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.

Selected passage

8:9They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

Selected passage

8:10Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

Selected passage

8:11For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Selected passage

8:12I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

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