Proverbs8
English Standard Version
1Does ? Does not her ?
2On the the , at the she takes her ;
3 the in of the , at the of the she cries :
4To you, O , I , and my is to the of .
5O , ; O , .
6 , I will , and my will come what is ,
7 my will ; is an to my .
8 the of my are ; there is or in them.
9They are to him who , and to those who .
10 my of , and rather ,
11 is , and that you may with her.
12 , , with , and I and .
13The of the Lord is of . and and the of and I .
14I have and ; I have ; I have .
15By me , and what is ;
16by me , and , who .
17I those who me, and those who me.
18 and are with me, and .
19My is , even , and my .
20I in the of , the of ,
21granting an to those who me, and their .
22The Lord me at the of his , the first of his of .
23 I was , the , the of the .
24When there were I was , when there were with .
25 the had been , the , I was ,
26 he had the with its , or the of the of the .
27When he the , was ; when he a the of the ,
28when he the , when he the of the ,
29when he to the its , so that the might his , when he the of the ,
30then I was , like a , and I was his , him ,
31 in his and in the of .
32And , O , to me: are those who my .
33 and be , and do it.
34 is the who to me, at my , my .
35 whoever me and the Lord,
36but he who to find me ; who me .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Proverbs 8.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Christ, as Wisdom, calls to the sons of men. (1–11). The nature and riches of Wisdom. (12–21). Christ one with the Father, in the creation of the world, and rejoicing in his work for the salvation of man. (22–31). Exhortations to hear Christ's word. (32–36).
vv1-11
The will of God is made known by the works of creation, and by the consciences of men, but more clearly by Moses and the prophets. The chief difficulty is to get men to attend to instruction. Yet attention to the words of Christ, will guide the most ignorant into saving knowledge of the truth. Where there is an understanding heart, and willingness to receive the truth in love, wisdom is valued above silver and gold.
vv12-21
Wisdom, here is Christ, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; it is Christ in the word, and Christ in the heart; not only Christ revealed to us, but Christ revealed in us. All prudence and skill are from the Lord. Through the redemption of Christ's precious blood, the riches of his grace abound in all wisdom and prudence. Man found out many inventions for ruin; God found one for our recovery. He hates pride and arrogance, evil ways and froward conversation; these render men unwilling to hear his humbling, awakening, holy instructions. True religion gives men the best counsel in all difficult cases, and helps to make their way plain. His wisdom makes all truly happy who receive it in the love of Christ Jesus. Seek him early, seek him earnestly, seek him before any thing else. Christ never said, Seek in vain. Those who love Christ, are such as have seen his loveliness, and have had his love shed abroad in their hearts; therefore they are happy. They shall be happy in this world, or in that which is beyond compare better. Wealth gotten by vanity will soon be diminished, but that which is well got, will wear well; and that which is well spent upon works of piety and charity, will be lasting. If they have not riches and honour in this world, they shall have that which is infinitely better. They shall be happy in the grace of God. Christ, by his Spirit, guides believers into all truth, and so leads them in the way of righteousness; and they walk after the Spirit. Also, they shall be happy in the glory of God hereafter. In Wisdom's promises, believers have goods laid up, not for days and years, but for eternity; her fruit therefore is better than gold.
vv22-31
The Son of God declares himself to have been engaged in the creation of the world. How able, how fit is the Son of God to be the Saviour of the world, who was the Creator of it! The Son of God was ordained, before the world, to that great work. Does he delight in saving wretched sinners, and shall not we delight in his salvation?
Key Words
לֹא: not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חׇכְמָה: wisdom (in a good sense)
קָרָא: to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
תָּבוּן: intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
נָתַן: to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
קוֹל: a voice or sound
עַל: above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
דֶּרֶךְ: a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
נָצַב: to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)
יָד: a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),
Cross References
Proverbs 8The supreme parallel comparing Wisdom's pre-existence and role in creation with the eternal Logos.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
Direct internal book parallel of Yahweh founding the earth by his eternal, personified wisdom.
Supported by JFB
Echoes the language of Wisdom being 'brought forth' before the mountains were settled.
Supported by JFB
Parallels the poetic imagery of God laying the foundations of the earth.
Supported by JFB
Establishes the public personification of Wisdom crying aloud, contrasting with the secret harlot.
Supported by JFB
Connects personified Wisdom with Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Thematic NT fulfillment that all civil rulers reign under God's ordained authority.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The Hebrew word for 'set up' (inaugurated/ordained) from everlasting matches Psalm 2:6.
Supported by JFB
Parallels Yahweh setting a decree/boundary for the waters of the deep.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Explicit NT usage where Christ refers to Himself or His counsel as the 'wisdom of God.'
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Wisdom's direct appeal addressing the 'simple' and 'fools' to turn from folly.
Supported by JFB
Repeats the comparison that Wisdom is far more valuable than silver, gold, and rubies.
Supported by JFB
Reinforces that the true fear of the Lord is manifested in departing from evil.
Supported by JFB
Wisdom lays up 'sound wisdom' and strength for the righteous.
Supported by JFB
Wisdom brings durable riches, honor, and length of days to those who grasp her.
Supported by JFB
The Son in the bosom of the Father parallels Wisdom as daily His delight.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Identifies Christ as the ultimate power and personal Wisdom of God.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole
Parallels the eternal goings-forth of the Messiah from of old, from everlasting.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Connects God's creative wisdom with the Son through whom He made the worlds.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Wisdom crying in the public gates, doors, and high places of the city.
Supported by Matthew Poole