Proverbs 8:22-31

22 The LORD created me as His first course, ^[a] before His works of old.

23 From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began.

24 When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth,

26 before He made the land or fields, or any of the dust of the earth.

27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He inscribed a circle on the face of the deep,

28 when He established the clouds above, when the fountains of the deep gushed forth,

29 when He set a boundary for the sea, so that the waters would not surpass His command, when He marked out the foundations of the earth.

30 Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight ^[b] day by day, rejoicing always in His presence.

31 I was rejoicing in His whole world, delighting together in the sons of men.

Proverbs 8:22-31 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way
• [b]. Or filled with His delight