Proverbs 8:1-21

Wisdom’s autobiography

1 Doesn't Wisdom cry out and Understanding shout?

2 Atop the heights along the path, at the crossroads she takes her stand.

3 By the gate before the city, at the entrances she shouts:

4 I cry out to you, people; my voice goes out to all of humanity.

5 Understand skill, you who are naive. Take this to heart, you fools.

6 Listen, for I speak things that are correct; from my lips comes what is right.

7 My mouth utters the truth; my lips despise wickedness.

8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; nothing in them is twisted or crooked.

9 All of them are straightforward to those who understand, and upright for the knowledgeable.

10 Take my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 Wisdom is better than pearls; nothing is more delightful than she.

12 I, Wisdom, dwell with prudence; I have found knowledge and discretion.

13 To fear the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride and arrogance, the path of evil and corrupt speech.

14 I have advice and ability, as well as understanding and strength.

15 By me kings rule, and princes issue righteous decrees.

16 By me rulers govern, and officials judge righteously.

17 I love those who love me; those who seek me will find me.

18 Riches and honor are with me, as well as enduring wealth and righteousness.

19 My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; my crops are better than choice silver.

20 I walk on the way of righteousness, on the paths of justice,

21 to provide for those who love me and to fill up their treasuries.

Proverbs 8:1-21 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] Heb uncertain