Proverbs Chapter 8

From The Open Bible Project

8:1 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice?

• (a) Solomon declares that man is the cause of his own perdition and that he cannot pretend ignorance, for God calls all men by his word and his works to follow virtue and flee from vice.

8:2 On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she stands.

8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

• (b) Where the people resorted most and which was the place of justice.

8:4 "To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

8:5 You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.

8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

8:7 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

8:9 They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

• (c) Meaning that the word of God is easy to all that have a desire for it and are not blinded by the prince of this world.

8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold.

8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.

8:12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

• (d) That is, unless a man has wisdom, which is the true knowledge of God, he can be neither a prudent nor good counsellor.

8:13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

• (e) So that he who does not hate evil, does not fear God.

8:14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

• (f) By which he declares that honours, dignities or riches do not come from man’s wisdom or industry, but by the providence of God.

8:16 By me princes rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

8:17 I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

• (g) That is, study the word of God diligently, and with a desire to profit.

8:18 With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

• (h) Signifying that he chiefly means the spiritual treasures and heavenly riches.

8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver.

8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;

• (i) For there can be no true justice or judgment, which is not rejected by this wisdom.

8:21 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

8:22 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

• (k) He declares by this the divinity and eternity of this wisdom, which he magnifies and praises through this book: meaning by this the eternal Son of God, Jesus Christ our Saviour, whom John calls the Word that was in the beginning (John 1:1).

8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

• (l) He declares the eternity of the Son of God, who was before all time, and ever present with the father.

8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.

8:25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth;

8:26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

8:27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

8:28 when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

8:29 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth;

8:30 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

• (m) Some read, a chief worker signifying that this wisdom, Christ Jesus, was equal with God his father, and created, preserves and still works with him, as in (John 5:17).

8:31 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

• (n) By which is declared that the work of the creation was no pain, but a solace to the wisdom of God.
• (o) By earth he means men, which is the work of God in whom wisdom took pleasure: in that as for man’s sake the divine wisdom took man’s nature, and dwelt among us, and filled us with unspeakable treasures, and this is the solace and pastime of which is here spoken.

8:32 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it.

8:34 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

8:35 For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.

8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death."