Proverbs 8:16-26

16 With my help, governors govern, along with all in legitimate authority.
17 I love those who love me; those who look for me find me.
18 Wealth and Glory accompany me - also substantial Honor and a Good Name.
19 My benefits are worth more than a big salary, even a very big salary; the returns on me exceed any imaginable bonus.
20 You can find me on Righteous Road - that's where I walk - at the intersection of Justice Avenue,
21 Handing out life to those who love me, filling their arms with life - armloads of life!
22 "God sovereignly made me - the first, the basic - before he did anything else.
23 I was brought into being a long time ago, well before Earth got its start.
24 I arrived on the scene before Ocean, yes, even before Springs and Rivers and Lakes.
25 Before Mountains were sculpted and Hills took shape, I was already there, newborn;
26 Long before God stretched out Earth's Horizons, and tended to the minute details of Soil and Weather,

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.

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.