Proverbs 8:16-26

16 Every ruler on earth governs with my help, officials and nobles alike.
17 I love those who love me; whoever looks for me can find me.
18 I have riches and honor to give, prosperity and success.
19 What you get from me is better than the finest gold, better than the purest silver.
20 I walk the way of righteousness; I follow the paths of justice,
21 giving wealth to those who love me, filling their houses with treasures.
22 "The Lord created me first of all, 1 the first of his works, long ago.
23 I was made in the very beginning, at the first, before the world began.
24 I was born before the oceans, when there were no springs of water.
25 I was born before the mountains, before the hills were set in place,
26 before God made the earth and its fields or even the first handful of soil.

Proverbs 8:16-26 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.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 8.22 +2Ben Sira 1.4, 9; +1Revelation 3.14.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.