Proverbs 8:1-11

1 Do you hear Lady Wisdom calling? Can you hear Madame Insight raising her voice?
2 She's taken her stand at First and Main, at the busiest intersection.
3 Right in the city square where the traffic is thickest, she shouts,
4 "You - I'm talking to all of you, everyone out here on the streets!
5 Listen, you idiots - learn good sense! You blockheads - shape up!
6 Don't miss a word of this - I'm telling you how to live well, I'm telling you how to live at your best.
7 My mouth chews and savors and relishes truth - I can't stand the taste of evil!
8 You'll only hear true and right words from my mouth; not one syllable will be twisted or skewed.
9 You'll recognize this as true - you with open minds; truth-ready minds will see it at once.
10 Prefer my life-disciplines over chasing after money, and God-knowledge over a lucrative career.
11 For Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.

Proverbs 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.

Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.