Proverbs 8:23-33

23 I was created in the very beginning, even before the world began.

24 I was born before there were oceans, or springs overflowing with water,

25 before the hills were there, before the mountains were put in place.

26 God had not made the earth or fields, not even the first dust of the earth.

27 I was there when God put the skies in place, when he stretched the horizon over the oceans,

28 when he made the clouds above and put the deep underground springs in place.

29 I was there when he ordered the sea not to go beyond the borders he had set. I was there when he laid the earth's foundation.

30 I was like a child by his side. I was delighted every day, enjoying his presence all the time,

31 enjoying the whole world, and delighted with all its people.

32 "Now, my children, listen to me, because those who follow my ways are happy.

33 Listen to my teaching, and you will be wise; do not ignore it.

Proverbs 8:23-33 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.