Proverbes 8:1-11

1 La sagesse ne crie-t-elle pas, et l'intelligence ne fait-elle pas entendre sa voix?
2 Elle se place au sommet des hauteurs, sur le chemin, aux carrefours.
3 Près des portes, devant la ville, à l'entrée des rues, elle s'écrie:
4 O hommes! je vous appelle, et ma voix s'adresse aux enfants des hommes.
5 Vous, stupides, apprenez le discernement; vous, insensés, devenez intelligents de cœur.
6 Écoutez, car je dirai des choses importantes, et j'ouvrirai mes lèvres pour enseigner ce qui est droit.
7 Car ma bouche dit la vérité, et mes lèvres ont en horreur le mensonge.
8 Toutes les paroles de ma bouche sont selon la justice; il n'y a rien en elles de faux ni de trompeur.
9 Toutes sont claires pour l'homme intelligent, et droites pour ceux qui ont trouvé la science.
10 Recherchez mon instruction, plus que de l'argent; et la science, plus que de l'or choisi.
11 Car la sagesse est meilleure que les perles, et tout ce qu'on pourrait souhaiter ne la vaut pas.

Proverbes 8:1-11 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.

The Ostervald translation is in the public domain.