Proverbs 8:4-14

4 She says, "Men, I call out to you. I raise my voice to all human beings.
5 You who are childish, get some good sense. You who are foolish, gain understanding.
6 Listen! I have worthy things to say. I open my lips to speak what is right.
7 My mouth speaks what is true. My lips hate evil.
8 All the words of my mouth are honest. None of them is twisted or sinful.
9 To those who have understanding, all my words are right. To those who have knowledge, they are true.
10 Choose my teaching instead of silver. Choose knowledge rather than fine gold.
11 Wisdom is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want can compare with her.
12 "I, wisdom, live together with understanding. I have knowledge and good sense.
13 To have respect for the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride and bragging. I hate evil ways and twisted words.
14 I have good sense and give good advice. I have understanding and power.

Proverbs 8:4-14 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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