Proverbs 8:14

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 8:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.
Proverbs 8:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14Counsel is mine, and sound knowledge: I am understanding; I have might.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“It also gives the elements of good character in counsel. sound wisdom-- (Pro 2:7). I . . . strength--or, "As for me, understanding is strength to me," the source of power (Ecc 9:16); good judgment gives more efficiency to actions;”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Wisdom - All solid and substantial and useful wisdom is assential to me. Proverbs 8:15”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Counsel: Isa 9:6, Isa 40:14; Joh 1:9; Rom 11:33, Rom 11:34; Co1 1:24, Co1 1:30; Col 2:3 sound: Pro 2:6, Pro 2:7; Rom 1:22 I have: Pro 24:5; Ecc 7:19, Ecc 9:16-18 Proverbs 8:15”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“After Wisdom has said what she hates, and thus what she is not, she now says what she is, has, and promises: 14 "Mine is counsel and promotion; I am understanding, mine is strength. 15 By me kings reign, And rulers govern justly. 16 By me princes rule, and nobles - All judges of the earth." Whoever gives anything must himself possess it; in this sense Wisdom claims for herself counsel, promotion (in the sense of offering and containing that which is essentially and truly good; vid., concerning תּוּשׁיּה, Pro 2:7), and energy (vid., Ecc 7:19). But she does not merely possess בּינה; this is much rather her peculiar nature, and is one with her. That Pro 8:14 is formed after Job 12:13, Job 12:16…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification