Proverbs 8:13-23

13 The fear of the Lord is seen in hating evil: pride, a high opinion of oneself, the evil way, and the false tongue, are unpleasing to me.

14 Wise design and good sense are mine; reason and strength are mine.

15 Through me kings have their power, and rulers give right decisions.

16 Through me chiefs have authority, and the noble ones are judging in righteousness.

17 Those who have given me their love are loved by me, and those who make search for me with care will get me.

18 Wealth and honour are in my hands, even wealth without equal and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, even than the best gold; and my increase is more to be desired than silver.

20 I go in the road of righteousness, in the way of right judging:

21 So that I may give my lovers wealth for their heritage, making their store-houses full.

22 The Lord made me as the start of his way, the first of his works in the past.

23 From eternal days I was given my place, from the birth of time, before the earth was.

Proverbs 8:13-23 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.