Proverbs 8:10-20

10 "Take my 1instruction and not silver, And knowledge rather than choicest gold.
11 "For wisdom is 2better than jewels; And 3all desirable things cannot compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, 4dwell with prudence, And I find 5knowledge and discretion.
13 "The 6fear of the LORD is to hate evil; 7Pride and arrogance and 8the evil way And the 9perverted mouth, I hate.
14 "10Counsel is mine and 11sound wisdom; I am understanding, 12power is mine.
15 "By me 13kings reign, And rulers decree justice.
16 "By me princes rule, and nobles, All who judge rightly.
17 "I 14love those who love me; And 15those who diligently seek me will find me.
18 "16Riches and honor are with me, Enduring 17wealth and righteousness.
19 "My fruit is 18better than gold, even pure gold, And my yield better than 19choicest silver.
20 "I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice,

Proverbs 8:10-20 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.

Cross References 19

  • 1. Proverbs 3:14, 15; Proverbs 8:19
  • 2. Job 28:15, 18; Psalms 19:10
  • 3. Proverbs 3:15
  • 4. Proverbs 8:5
  • 5. Proverbs 1:4
  • 6. Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 16:6
  • 7. 1 Samuel 2:3; Proverbs 16:18; Isaiah 13:11
  • 8. Proverbs 15:9
  • 9. Proverbs 6:12
  • 10. Proverbs 1:25; Proverbs 19:20; Isaiah 28:29; Jeremiah 32:19
  • 11. Proverbs 2:7; Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 18:1
  • 12. Ecclesiastes 7:19; Ecclesiastes 9:16
  • 13. 2 Chronicles 1:10; Proverbs 29:4; Daniel 2:21; Matthew 28:18; Romans 13:1
  • 14. 1 Samuel 2:30; Proverbs 4:6; John 14:21
  • 15. Proverbs 2:4, 5; John 7:37; James 1:5
  • 16. Proverbs 3:16
  • 17. Psalms 112:3; Matthew 6:33
  • 18. Job 28:15; Proverbs 3:14
  • 19. Proverbs 10:20

Footnotes 1

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