Proverbs 8:24-29

24 When there were no 1depths I was 2brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
25 Before the mountains 3had been shaped, 4before the hills, I was brought forth,
26 before he had made the earth with its fields, or the first of the dust of the world.
27 When he 5established the heavens, I was there; when he drew 6a circle on the face of the deep,
28 when he 7made firm the skies above, when he established[a] the fountains of the deep,
29 when he 8assigned to the sea its 9limit, so that the waters might not transgress his command, when he marked out 10the foundations of the earth,

Proverbs 8:24-29 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 10

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.