Proverbs 8:6-16

6 audite quoniam de rebus magnis locutura sum et aperientur labia mea ut recta praedicent
7 veritatem meditabitur guttur meum et labia mea detestabuntur impium
8 iusti sunt omnes sermones mei non est in eis pravum quid neque perversum
9 recti sunt intellegentibus et aequi invenientibus scientiam
10 accipite disciplinam meam et non pecuniam doctrinam magis quam aurum eligite
11 melior est enim sapientia cunctis pretiosissimis et omne desiderabile ei non potest conparari
12 ego sapientia habito in consilio et eruditis intersum cogitationibus
13 timor Domini odit malum arrogantiam et superbiam et viam pravam et os bilingue detestor
14 meum est consilium et aequitas mea prudentia mea est fortitudo
15 per me reges regnant et legum conditores iusta decernunt
16 per me principes imperant et potentes decernunt iustitiam

Proverbs 8:6-16 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.

The Latin Vulgate is in the public domain.