Proverbs 8:1-21

Wisdom Calls

1 Does not wisdom call, and understanding raise its voice?
2 {Atop the heights} beside the road, at the crossroads she stands.
3 Beside gates, before towns, [at the] entrance of doors, she cries out:
4 "To you, O {people}, I call, and my cry is to the children of humankind.
5 Learn prudence, O simple ones; fools, learn {intelligence}.
6 Listen! For noble things I will speak, and upright things from the opening of my lips.
7 My mouth will utter truth, and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.
8 All sayings of my mouth [are] in righteousness; none of them are twisted and crooked.
9 All of them are straight to him who understands, and upright to those who find knowledge.
10 Take my teaching and not silver; may you choose knowledge rather than choice gold.
11 For wisdom is better than jewels, and all desires shall not compare with her.
12 I, wisdom, live with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
13 The fear of Yahweh [is] hatred of evil, pride, and arrogance and an evil way. And I hate a mouth of perversity.
14 {Advice and sound judgment} are mine; I am understanding, {strength is mine}.
15 By me kings reign, and rulers decree righteousness.
16 By me rulers rule, and nobles--all judges of righteousness.
17 I love {those who love me}, and those who seek me diligently shall find me.
18 Fortune and glory [are] with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.
19 My fruit is better than gold, even refined gold, and my yield than choice silver.
20 In the way of righteousness I walk, in the midst of paths of justice,
21 [in order] to endow those who love me [with] wealth, and I will fill their treasuries.

Proverbs 8:1-21 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 7

  • [a]. Literally "At a head of the heights"
  • [b]. Literally "men"
  • [c]. Literally "heart"
  • [d]. Literally "To/for me are advice and sound judgment"
  • [e]. Literally "to/for me is strength"
  • [f]. Literally "her lovers"
  • [g]. Literally "fine gold"
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.