Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 8:2

ESV On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand;
NIV At the highest point along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
NASB On top of the heights beside the way, Where the paths meet, she takes her stand;
CSB At the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads, she takes her stand.
NLT On the hilltop along the road, she takes her stand at the crossroads.
KJV She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.

What does Proverbs 8:2 mean?

In this verse Solomon depicts poetic locations where wisdom, personified in a woman, calls out. The questions asked in the prior verse imply that wisdom's call is not hidden (Proverbs 8:1). That idea is highlighted here: she takes up her position where people travel and congregate. Whether people travel over hilltops or meet at intersections, they cannot fail to hear her call.

Similarly, the gospel's call to salvation reaches people where they are. The hills are part of the creation that God has established as a witness to His existence and wisdom. In Psalm 8:1 David exclaimed, "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" Romans 1:19–20 points out that creation offers sufficient evidence that God exists and reveals His eternal power and divine nature. Having rejected the witness of creation, unbelievers are without excuse. Today, too, the gospel calls upon people in the hill country and in the busy intersections to believe on Jesus, the source of wisdom.

For some in nations with a Christian heritage, anyone who has a radio can hear the call of the gospel wherever he may be.
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