Proverbs 8:12

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

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

American King James Version (AKJV)

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

American Standard Version (ASV)

I wisdom have made prudence my dwelling, And find out knowledge and discretion.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

I, wisdom, have made wise behaviour my near relation; I am seen to be the special friend of wise purposes.

Webster's Revision

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of ingenious inventions.

World English Bible

"I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

English Revised Version (ERV)

I wisdom have made subtilty my dwelling, and find out knowledge and discretion.

Clarke's Proverbs 8:12 Bible Commentary

I wisdom dwell with prudence - Prudence is defined, wisdom applied to practice; so wherever true wisdom is, it will lead to action, and its activity will be always in reference to the accomplishment of the best ends by the use of the most appropriate means. Hence comes what is here called knowledge of witty inventions, דעת מזמות אמצא daath mezimmoth emtsa, "I have found out knowledge and contrivance." The farther wisdom proceeds in man, the more practical knowledge it gains; and finding out the nature and properties of things, and the general course of providence, it can contrive by new combinations to produce new results.

Barnes's Proverbs 8:12 Bible Commentary

Wisdom first speaks warnings (Proverbs 1:24 note), next promises (Proverbs 2:1 note); but here she neither promises nor threatens, but speaks of her own excellence. "Prudence" is the "subtilty" (see the margin), the wiliness of the serpent Genesis 3:1, in itself neutral, but capable of being turned to good as well as evil. Wisdom, occupied with things heavenly and eternal, also "dwells with" the practical tact and insight needed for the life of common men. "Witty inventions" are rather counsels. The truth intended is, that all special rules for the details of life spring out of the highest Wisdom as their source.

Wesley's Proverbs 8:12 Bible Commentary

8:12 I dwell - My inseparable companion is prudence to govern all my actions, and to direct the actions of others. Find out - I help men to find out. Inventions - Of all ingenious contrivances for the glory of God, and for the good of men.