Proverbs 8:22-31

22 The Lord made^[a] me at the beginning of His creation,^[b] before His works of long ago.^[c]

23 I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began.

24 I was brought forth when there were no watery depths and no springs filled with water.

25 I was brought forth before the mountains and hills were established,

26 before He made the land, the fields, or the first soil on earth.

27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean,

28 when He placed the skies above, when the fountains of the ocean gushed forth,

29 when He set a limit for the sea so that the waters would not violate His command,^[d] when He laid out the foundations of the earth.^[e]

30 I was a skilled craftsman^[f] beside Him.^[g] I was His^[h] delight every day,^[i] always rejoicing before Him.

31 I was rejoicing in His inhabited world,^[j] delighting in the human race.^[k]

Proverbs 8:22-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 8

This chapter contains the instructions of Wisdom or Christ; showing the excellency of them, and the author of them, in opposition to the harlot and her allurements, in the preceding chapter. Christ, under the name of Wisdom, is represented as an herald, publishing the Gospel in the ministry of the word, either in person or by his servants, Pr 8:1. The places where this proclamation is made are described, Pr 8:2,3; the persons to whom, Pr 8:4,5. The excellency of the things delivered, being right things; truth, agreeably to the word of God, plain and easy to be understood, and of more worth than gold, silver, and precious stones, Pr 8:6-11. And then Wisdom, or Christ, is commended and recommended by his consummate prudence and knowledge, by his hatred of evil, and by his influence on the political affairs of kings and princes, Pr 8:12-16; and the advantages of those that are early seekers of him are pointed out; their enjoyment of his favour, of his riches, honour and righteousness; and their being led by him in right paths now, and inheriting eternal glory hereafter, Pr 8:17-21. And next follows an account of his existence from eternity as a divine Person, illustrated by a variety of phrases, Pr 8:22-29; and of his being with the Father; of his great affection for him, and complacency in him; and of Christ's wonderful delight and pleasure in the sons of men, Pr 8:30,31. And the chapter is concluded with an exhortation to them to hearken to his instructions; setting forth the happiness of those that wait on him in public ordinances, and find him; and the misery of those that hate and reject him.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or possessed, or begot
• [b]. Lit way
• [c]. Gn 1:1
• [d]. Jb 38:8-11
• [e]. Jb 38:4-5
• [f]. Or a confidante, or a child
• [g]. Jb 38-39; Jr 10:12; 51:15
• [h]. LXX; Hb omits His
• [i]. Pr 3:19-20; Jb 28:20-27
• [j]. Jb 38:4-7
• [k]. Heb 2:6-8