Proverbs 8
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19. (Compare Proverbs 8:11 , 3:16 ).
20, 21. The courses in which wisdom leads conduct to a true present prosperity ( Proverbs 23:5 ).
22-31. Strictly, God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to the poetical structure of the whole passage, this commendation of wisdom is entirely consonant. In order of time all His attributes are coincident and eternal as Himself. But to set forth the importance of wisdom as devising the products of benevolence and power, it is here assigned a precedence. As it has such in divine, so should it be desired in human, affairs (compare Proverbs 3:19 ).
possessed--or, "created"; in either sense, the idea of precedence.
in the beginning--or simply, "beginning," in apposition with "me."
before . . . of old--preceding the most ancient deeds.
23. I was set up--ordained, or inaugurated ( Psalms 2:6 ). The other terms carry out the idea of the earliest antiquity, and illustrate it by the details of creation ( Proverbs 8:24-29 ).
24. brought forth--(Compare Psalms 90:2 ).
abounding--or, "laden with water."
25. settled--that is, sunk in foundations.
26. fields--or, "out places," "deserts," as opposite to (habitable) "world."
highest part--or, "sum," all particles together,
27. when he set . . . depth--marked out the circle, according to the popular idea of the earth, as circular, surrounded by depths on which the visible concave heavens rested.
28. established . . . deep--that is, so as to sustain the waters above and repress those below the firmament ( Genesis 1:7-11 , Job 26:8 ).
29. commandment--better, the shore, that is, of the sea.
foundations--figuratively denotes the solid structure ( Job 38:4 , Psalms 24:2 ).
30, 31. one brought up--an object of special and pleasing regard. The bestowal of wisdom on men is represented by its finding a delightful residence and pleasing God.
32-36. Such an attribute men are urged to seek.
34. watching . . . waiting--literally, "so as to watch"; wait, denoting a most sedulous attention.
35. (Compare Luke 13:23 Luke 13:24 ).
36. sinneth . . . me--or better, "missing me," as opposed to "finding" ( Proverbs 8:35 ).
love death--act as if they did (compare Proverbs 17:9 ).