Proverbs 8:1-8

1 Thou shalt proclaim wisdom, that understanding may be obedient to thee.

2 For she is on lofty eminences, and stands in the midst of the ways.

3 For she sits by the gates of princes, and sings in the entrances, ,

4 You, O men, I exhort; and utter my voice to the sons of men.

5 O ye simple, understand subtlety, and ye that are untaught, imbibe knowledge.

6 Hearken to me; for I will speak solemn ; and will produce right from my lips.

7 For my throat shall meditate truth; and false lips are an abomination before me.

8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing in them wrong or perverse.

Proverbs 8:1-8 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]. For the use of ??at?? and pa??????? in this book, see Appendix in which the following appears: Proverbs 8.5 — It is frequently the case in Proverbs that ??at?? is used in a bad sense, and pa??????? in a good one. For ??at?? see chap 1. 4,22; 8.5; 14.15; 21.11. For pa???????, 12. 16; 13.1, 16; 14.8,15,18; 15.5; 21.11; 22.3; 27.12; 28.2.