Proverbes 8:26-36

26 Avant qu'il eût fait la terre, et les campagnes, et le commencement de la poussière du monde.
27 Quand il agençait les cieux, j'y étais; quand il traçait le cercle au-dessus de l'abîme,
28 Quand il fixait les nuages en haut, quand il faisait jaillir les fontaines de l'abîme.
29 Quand il imposait à la mer sa loi, afin que ses eaux n'en franchissent pas les limites, quand il posait les fondements de la terre,
30 Alors j'étais auprès de lui son ouvrière, j'étais ses délices de tous les jours, et je me réjouissais sans cesse en sa présence.
31 Je trouvais ma joie dans le monde et sur la terre, et mon bonheur parmi les enfants des hommes.
32 Maintenant donc, mes enfants, écoutez-moi. Heureux ceux qui garderont mes voies!
33 Écoutez l'instruction, pour devenir sages, et ne la rejetez point.
34 Heureux l'homme qui m'écoute, qui veille à mes portes chaque jour, et qui garde les poteaux de l'entrée de ma maison!
35 Car celui qui me trouve, trouve la vie, et obtient la faveur de l'Éternel;
36 Mais celui qui m'offense fait tort à son âme. Tous ceux qui me haïssent, aiment la mort.

Proverbes 8:26-36 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.

The Ostervald translation is in the public domain.