Proverbs 8:4
New International Version
“To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind.

New Living Translation
“I call to you, to all of you! I raise my voice to all people.

English Standard Version
“To you, O men, I call, and my cry is to the children of man.

Berean Standard Bible
“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men.

King James Bible
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

New King James Version
“To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

New American Standard Bible
“To you, people, I call, And my voice is to mankind.

NASB 1995
“To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

NASB 1977
“To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

Legacy Standard Bible
“To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

Amplified Bible
“To you, O men, I call, And my voice is directed to the sons of men.

Christian Standard Bible
“People, I call out to you; my cry is to the children of Adam.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
People, I call out to you; my cry is to mankind.

American Standard Version
Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men.

Contemporary English Version
"I am calling out to each one of you!

English Revised Version
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"I am calling to all of you, and my appeal is to all people.

Good News Translation
"I appeal to all of you; I call to everyone on earth.

International Standard Version
"I'm calling to you, men! What I have to say pertains to all mankind!

NET Bible
"To you, O people, I call out, and my voice calls to all mankind.

New Heart English Bible
"To you men, I call. I send my voice to the sons of humankind.

Webster's Bible Translation
To you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men.

World English Bible
“I call to you men! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“To you, O men, I call, "" And my voice [is] to the sons of men.

Young's Literal Translation
Unto you, O men, I call, And my voice is unto the sons of men.

Smith's Literal Translation
To you, ye men, I shall call, and my voice is to the sons of man.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
O ye men, to you I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.

Catholic Public Domain Version
“O men, to you I call out, and my voice is to the sons of men.

New American Bible
“To you, O people, I call; my appeal is to you mortals.

New Revised Standard Version
“To you, O people, I call, and my cry is to all that live.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And she says, "To you, men, I call, and my voice to the children of men"
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Unto you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Excellence of Wisdom
3Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: 4“To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. 5O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding.…

Cross References
Proverbs 1:20-23
Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; / in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: / “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? ...

Proverbs 9:3-6
She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. / “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment. / “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed. ...

Isaiah 55:1-3
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David.

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

John 7:37-38
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’”

Isaiah 45:22
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.

Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Matthew 22:9-10
Go therefore to the crossroads and invite to the banquet as many as you can find.’ / So the servants went out into the streets and gathered everyone they could find, both evil and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.

Luke 14:21-23
The servant returned and reported all this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ / ‘Sir,’ the servant replied, ‘what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ / So the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

John 12:32
And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself.”

Romans 10:12-13
For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, / for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.

Psalm 49:1-3
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, / both low and high, rich and poor alike. / My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.

Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.

Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.


Treasury of Scripture

To you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.

Psalm 49:1-3
To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world: …

Psalm 50:1
A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

Matthew 11:15
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

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Cry Crying Mankind Raise Voice
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Cry Crying Mankind Raise Voice
Proverbs 8
1. the fame
6. and evidence of wisdom
10. The excellence
12. the nature
15. the power
18. the riches
22. and the eternity of wisdom
32. Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings














To you, O men, I call out
This phrase emphasizes the universal appeal of wisdom. In the biblical context, "men" often refers to humanity in general, not just males. Wisdom is personified here, suggesting that it is accessible and available to all people. The call to "men" can be seen as an invitation to heed wisdom's voice, which echoes throughout the book of Proverbs. This aligns with the biblical theme that God desires all people to seek and embrace wisdom (James 1:5). The act of calling out implies urgency and importance, indicating that wisdom is not passive but actively seeks to engage with humanity.

and my cry is to the sons of men.
The "sons of men" is a Hebrew idiom that refers to human beings, emphasizing the inclusivity of wisdom's appeal. This phrase suggests a direct and personal invitation to each individual, highlighting the relational aspect of wisdom. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued and seen as a divine attribute. The cry of wisdom can be compared to the prophetic calls found throughout the Old Testament, where prophets urged the people to return to God's ways (Isaiah 55:1-3). This can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is described as the embodiment of wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24), calling all to follow Him. The persistent cry of wisdom reflects God's desire for humanity to live in accordance with His will, offering guidance and understanding to those who seek it.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Wisdom
Personified as a woman calling out to humanity, urging them to heed her voice and embrace understanding.

2. Men
Refers to humanity in general, emphasizing that the call of wisdom is universal and inclusive.

3. Sons of Men
A Hebrew idiom for human beings, highlighting the intended audience of wisdom's call as all people, regardless of status or background.
Teaching Points
The Universality of Wisdom's Call
Wisdom calls out to all people, indicating that God's truth and guidance are available to everyone, not just a select few.

The Importance of Listening
The call to "men" and "sons of men" underscores the need for attentiveness and responsiveness to God's wisdom in our daily lives.

Wisdom as a Divine Attribute
Understanding wisdom as a reflection of God's character encourages believers to seek wisdom as a way to grow closer to God.

Practical Application of Wisdom
Emphasizes the need to apply wisdom in practical ways, such as decision-making, relationships, and moral choices.

The Role of Humility in Receiving Wisdom
Recognizing our need for wisdom requires humility, as we acknowledge our limitations and seek God's guidance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 8:4?

2. How can we apply Proverbs 8:4 to our daily decision-making process?

3. What does Proverbs 8:4 reveal about God's desire to reach all people?

4. How does Proverbs 8:4 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

5. In what ways can we heed the call of wisdom in Proverbs 8:4?

6. How does Proverbs 8:4 encourage us to share wisdom with others?

7. What does Proverbs 8:4 reveal about God's call to humanity?

8. How does Proverbs 8:4 emphasize the importance of wisdom?

9. Why is Proverbs 8:4 directed to "all mankind"?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8?

11. What does the Spirit of Adoption mean?

12. What constitutes the sin of unbelief?

13. Hosea 13:4: How can God declare 'there is no Savior besides Me' while other passages depict human saviors or mediators, seeming to contradict this exclusivity?

14. How can I overcome fear of God's wrath?
What Does Proverbs 8:4 Mean
To you

• The opening “to you” personalizes Wisdom’s voice, confronting every listener individually rather than addressing an anonymous crowd (Proverbs 1:20-23).

• Scripture consistently presses truth upon the conscience of each heart—“Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live” (Isaiah 55:3).

• There is no spiritual neutrality; the call lands at your doorstep, inviting either humble reception (James 1:22) or stubborn refusal (Hebrews 3:15).


O men

• “Men” here is generic, embracing women and children too (Psalm 49:1-2); the point is universality.

• God’s wisdom is not reserved for an elite few but offered to “all people” (Titus 2:11), dismantling excuses of inaccessibility.

• The term reminds us that though God is transcendent, He chooses plain, human language to reach us (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).


I call out

• The verb pictures Wisdom lifting her voice above life’s noise, much like Jesus stood and cried out, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37).

• Calling implies initiative—God always makes the first move (1 John 4:19).

• It also signals urgency; delaying response risks hardening of heart (2 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 29:1).


and my cry is

• “Cry” intensifies the plea; Wisdom is not merely informing but imploring (Jeremiah 7:13).

• The emotional weight reflects God’s desire that none perish (Ezekiel 33:11) and echoes Christ’s lament, “How often I wanted to gather your children” (Luke 13:34).

• Such earnestness strips away the myth of a distant, indifferent Creator.


to the sons of men

• The phrase expands the reach across generations—every descendant of Adam is addressed (Acts 17:30-31).

• It underscores accountability: because the message is universal, judgment will also be universal (Romans 2:6-11).

• Yet it also underscores hope; the same gospel “has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven” (Colossians 1:23).


summary

Proverbs 8:4 paints a vivid scene: God’s wisdom stands in the open, lovingly yet urgently summoning every human being. The address is personal (“to you”), inclusive (“O men”), proactive (“I call out”), passionate (“my cry”), and universal (“to the sons of men”). No one is overlooked, and no one will be able to claim ignorance. The verse therefore presses each reader toward a decisive response—either humble reception of God’s revealed wisdom or willful rejection with all its consequences.

(4) O men--i.e., "great ones;" "sons of man" are those of inferior rank; comp. the Hebrew of Isaiah 2:9, where the same words are translated "great man," and "mean man." Comp. the generality of the invitation of Psalm 49:2.

Verses 4-11. - She summons various classes of persons to attend to her, showing how trustworthy she is, and how precious her instruction. Verse 4. - Unto you, O men, I call. "Men," ishim (אִישִׁים); equivalent to ἄνδρες, viri, men in the highest sense, who have some wisdom and experience, but need further enlightenment (Isaiah 53:3; Psalm 141:4). The sons of man; בְּנֵי אָדָם, "children of Adam;" equivalent to ἄνθρωποι, homines, the general kind of men, who are taken up with material interests. St. Gregory notes ('Moral ,' 27:6) that persons (heroines) of perfect life are in Scripture sometimes called "men" (viri). And again, "Scripture is wont to call those persons 'men' who follow the ways of the Lord with firm and steady steps. Whence Wisdom says in the Proverbs, 'Unto you, O men, I call.' As if she were saying openly, 'I do not speak to women, but to men; because they who are of an unstable mind cannot at all understand my words'" ('Moral.,' 28:12, Oxford transl.).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“To you,
אֲלֵיכֶ֣ם (’ă·lê·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

O men,
אִישִׁ֣ים (’î·šîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

I call out,
אֶקְרָ֑א (’eq·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read

and my cry
וְ֝קוֹלִ֗י (wə·qō·w·lî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6963: A voice, sound

is to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the sons
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of men.
אָדָֽם׃ (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:4 To you men I call! (Prov. Pro Pr)
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