Proverbs 8

This chapter belongs to the long section of instruction in Proverbs 1–9. Following Proverbs 7, which warns against the seduction of the adulteress, this chapter presents Wisdom stepping forward and speaking in her own voice, as a person would. A similar scene of Wisdom crying aloud appears in Proverbs 1:20–33.

Outline

• Verses 1–3: Wisdom raises her voice on the high places beside the way, at the crossroads, and beside the city gates.
• Verses 4–11: She calls the simple to listen. Her words are righteous and upright, better than silver, fine gold, and rubies.
• Verses 12–21: Wisdom hates pride and evil. Kings and judges rule by wisdom, and those who love her obtain riches, honor, and righteousness.
• Verses 22–31: The LORD possessed Wisdom before He made the earth, the seas, and the mountains. At creation she was beside Him, rejoicing, and she delighted in the sons of men.
• Verses 32–36: Blessed is the one who hears Wisdom's words, for he finds life. Whoever hates Wisdom loves death.

Key Verses

• Proverbs 8:17: "Those that seek me early shall find me." A promise that Wisdom responds to those who love and seek her.
• Proverbs 8:22: "The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old." This verse speaks of Wisdom's origin before creation and has stood at the center of interpretive debate.
• Proverbs 8:35: "For whoso findeth me findeth life." The conclusion of the chapter.

Figures and Places

• Wisdom: The speaker, personified as a woman and speaking in the first person. This is a characteristic expression of wisdom literature.
• The LORD: Presented as the One who possessed Wisdom and made the world.
• The city gate: A public place in ancient Israel where judgment was rendered and business was conducted.
• The "sons of man" (verse 4) and "sons of men" (verse 31) refer simply to human beings and carry a different meaning from "Son of man," the title of Jesus.

Points for Reflection

• Verse 22, "possessed": The Hebrew verb can be rendered either "possess" or "create." The Septuagint translated it in the sense of "created." In the fourth century, Arianism used this verse as grounds for claiming that the Son is a created being. Athanasius and other orthodox theologians interpreted it differently and opposed this view.
• Verse 30, "one brought up with him": The Hebrew word here can be understood either as "master craftsman" or as "child," so translations render it differently.
• Who is Wisdom?: Many Church Fathers and traditional interpreters have read this Wisdom in connection with the preincarnate Christ. As support they cite the Logos of John 1, Colossians 1:15–17, and "the wisdom of God" in 1 Corinthians 1:22–25. Other interpreters regard it as a literary personification of wisdom as an attribute of God, holding that the connection to Christ is made only in the New Testament. Jewish tradition has also read Wisdom in connection with the Law (Torah).
• The following chapter, Proverbs 9, forms a contrast in which Wisdom and the foolish woman each invite people to come to them.