Proverbs 8:25-35

25 before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was given birth,

26 before he made the world or its fields or any of the dust of the earth.

27 I was there when he set the heavens in place, when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,

28 when he established the clouds above and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,

29 when he gave the sea its boundary so the waters would not overstep his command, and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

30 Then I was constantly^[a] at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence,

31 rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.

32 “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it.

34 Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.

35 For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 8:25-35 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

• 1. S Job 38:6
• 2. S Job 15:7
• 3. S Psalms 90:2
• 4. S Job 26:7; Proverbs 3:19
• 5. S Job 22:14
• 6. S Job 36:29
• 7. S Genesis 1:7; S Job 9:8; S Job 26:10
• 8. S Genesis 1:9; Job 38:10; S Psalms 16:6
• 9. S Job 38:8; Psalms 104:9
• 10. S 1 Samuel 2:8; S Job 38:5
• 11. Proverbs 3:19-20; Revelation 3:14; John 1:1-3
• 12. S Job 28:25-27; Job 38:4-38; Psalms 16:3; Psalms 104:1-30; Proverbs 30:4; John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:15-20
• 13. S Proverbs 7:24
• 14. Luke 11:28
• 15. S 2 Samuel 22:22; S Psalms 18:21; Psalms 119:1-2
• 16. 1 Kings 10:8; Proverbs 3:13,18
• 17. Proverbs 3:13-18
• 18. Proverbs 9:6; John 5:39-40
• 19. S Job 33:26; Proverbs 12:2

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "was the artisan" ; or "was a little child"