Wisdom of solomon 8:12 - When I am silent, they will wait for me; And when I open my lips, they will give heed to me; And if I continue speaking, they will lay their hand upon their mouth.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 8:12

What does "Wisdom of solomon 8:12" mean?


This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 8:12 describes the profound respect and reverence that wisdom commands. Let's break down each part:

"When I am silent, they will wait for me;" - This suggests that the speaker, personifying Wisdom, possesses such authority and insight that people eagerly anticipate their words. Even in silence, Wisdom's presence is powerful, and people recognize its value. They are patient and expectant, knowing that what will be said is worth waiting for.

"And when I open my lips, they will give heed to me;" - This indicates that when Wisdom does speak, people listen attentively and respectfully. They "give heed," meaning they pay close attention, ponder the meaning, and take the words seriously.

"And if I continue speaking, they will lay their hand upon their mouth." - This is a powerful image of absolute awe and reverence. Laying a hand on the mouth can symbolize several things in this context:

Silence and Respect: It can mean they are so overwhelmed by Wisdom's words that they remain silent out of respect, not wanting to interrupt or speak out of turn.
Wonder and Awe: It suggests they are stunned by the depth and profoundness of what they are hearing. They are speechless with wonder.
Recognition of Superior Knowledge: It might also imply they recognize the speaker's superior knowledge and authority. Laying a hand over the mouth indicates they acknowledge the speaker's wisdom and refrain from challenging it. They submit to the authority of Wisdom.

In essence, the verse conveys:

The immense value and power of wisdom. People recognize its significance, eagerly anticipate its expression, and listen with deep respect. When Wisdom speaks profoundly, it evokes awe and silence, demonstrating its ultimate authority. The entire verse paints a picture of wisdom being highly valued and treated with reverence. It suggests that true wisdom is not just about knowledge but about the ability to inspire and guide others.

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