Proverbs 3:19

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;

Proverbs 3:19 in Other Translations

KJV
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
ESV
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;
NLT
19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.
MSG
19 With Lady Wisdom, God formed Earth; with Madame Insight, he raised Heaven.
CSB
19 The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.

Proverbs 3:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 3:19

The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth
He has created all things, and made the world by his Son, the Wisdom of God, ( Ephesians 3:9 ) ( Hebrews 1:2 ) ; not using him as an instrument; but, he being an efficient cause with him, to him, as to the first cause, the creation of all things is ascribed, ( John 1:1-3 ) ( Colossians 1:16 ) ; and particularly the laying the foundation of the earth, ( Hebrews 1:10 ) ; and though this is true of the divine perfection of wisdom, ( Jeremiah 10:12 ) ; yet from the context it appears best to understand it of the essential Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus; the Jerusalem Targum of ( Genesis 1:1 ) ; is, "by wisdom God created", &c. and this serves greatly to set forth the dignity and excellency of Wisdom, or Christ, and so the happiness of that man that finds him; with this the account of him is closed and crowned; by understanding hath he established the heavens:
or prepared, adorned, and beautified them, by placing the luminaries in them, and directing their station, motion, and influence; the making of the heavens, with all the host of them, is ascribed to the essential Word or Wisdom of God, ( Psalms 33:6 ) .

Proverbs 3:19 In-Context

17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
20 by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;

Cross References 3

  • 1. S Genesis 1:31; Psalms 136:5-9
  • 2. S Job 28:25-27; Psalms 104:24
  • 3. Proverbs 8:27-29
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