Proverbs 8:22-31

22 "The LORD created me as the first of his works, before his acts of long ago.
23 I was formed at the very beginning. I was formed before the world began.
24 Before there were any oceans, I was born. There weren't any springs of water at that time.
25 Before the mountains were settled in place, I was born. Before there were any hills, I was born.
26 It happened before the LORD made the earth and its fields. It was before he made the dust of the world.
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place. When he marked out the place where the sky meets the sea, I was there.
28 That was when he put the clouds above. It was when he fixed the ocean springs in place.
29 It was when he set limits for the sea so that the waters had to obey his command. When he marked out the foundations of the earth, I was there.
30 I was the skilled worker at his side. I was filled with delight day after day. I was always happy to be with him.
31 His whole world filled me with joy. I took delight in all human beings.

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.

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