Posted by Jeff Short on December 17, 2016 · Leave a Comment
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
– Proverbs 8:22
Verses 22-31 speak of high things. We have seen wisdom in the streets, high places, gates, and the markets. Now we are given view of wisdom, possessed of God before the foundation of the world such that all God’s works are done in wisdom. Opinions vary greatly on this section of Scripture. The point here is not that God began to have wisdom as though there were some point when God did not have wisdom. The point here is to emphasize the importance of wisdom and that, concerning time, wisdom was before the creation. This means the universe was created with wisdom and wisdom is vital to its existence and maintenance. This supplies a powerful argument to see the importance of wisdom and to seek it more than silver and gold.
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 16, 2016 · Leave a Comment
That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
– Proverbs 8:21
To
inherit is to acquire for a possession. Those who love wisdom and walk in her way will gain many possessions for their storehouses, or treasuries. In fact, they will be wholly filled or filled to the full. Wisdom is pictured as delighting to dispense rich gifts, which surpass the value of fine gold and choice silver. James wrote that God gives wisdom liberally to those who ask (James 1:5).
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 15, 2016 · Leave a Comment
I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
– Proverbs 8:20
Wisdom’s rich gifts have been described and extolled. Wisdom brings benefits both spiritually and physically. The spiritual far surpasses the physical in value and durability. So here wisdom explains her gifts come in the way of
righteousness and
judgment. The gains of wisdom are not by hook and by crook, but rather by righteous justice. The way of wisdom is a clear and upright way and we have seen the contrast with the way of evil men and the way of strange woman who lurk about in the dark and plot in secret. This also means those benefits are enjoyed without guilt or remorse.
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 14, 2016 · Leave a Comment
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
– Proverbs 8:19
Fruit is produce or the product of the ground.
Revenue is the gain that can also be the yield of the ground. Both speak to the rewards of wisdom. This verse teaches the spiritual and immaterial benefits of wisdom surpass the value of
fine gold and
choice silver. As the previous verse revealed, the wealth of wisdom is enduring.
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 13, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
– Proverbs 8:18
Riches are wealth and
honor is glory and abundance.
Durable riches speaks of old or ancient wealth treasured up. Hence, it is enduring and not quickly fading. It is passed on from one hand to another. The wealth of wisdom is abundant, enduring, and just.
Righteousness is justice and opposite of oppression or extortion, which are common worldly means of gaining wealth. As you work through this chapter, keep note of both the physical and spiritual nature of the benefits of wisdom.
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 12, 2016 · Leave a Comment
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
– Proverbs 8:17
Solomon has described many wonderful attributes of wisdom, but wisdom not to be gazed at and admired. Wisdom is not a noble statue or painting on a shelf. Wisdom’s possessions are gifts to be given to those who love and seek wisdom. Seeking early involves diligence and refers to early in life as well
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 11, 2016 · Leave a Comment
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
– Proverbs 8:16
Like in the previous verse, wisdom is the good of any good authority on earth. Wisdom is required to hold authority without abuse or vainglory. Wisdom will restrain unrighteousness and teach hatred of “evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth” (Proverbs 8:13). These things are all the corruption of power and lead to oppression, extortion, and perversion of justice. These are all things that afflict men when the foolish wicked bear rule (Proverbs 29:2).
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 10, 2016 · Leave a Comment
By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
– Proverbs 8:15
If ever justice is decreed, it is by wisdom. Any good reign is accomplished by wisdom. When the wicked and fools bear rule, incompetence, oppression, tyranny, and injustice abound. The point is that any good government requires wisdom.
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Posted by Jeff Short on December 9, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
– Proverbs 8:14
Verses 14-21 describes various physical and spiritual benefits wisdom brings to those who have it. Wisdom has counsel and so advises the recipient in the ways of life. Sound wisdom is proper judgment or good sense. Understanding refers to discernment. Strength is might or power. It is not typically listed with wisdom, but it is the force for good actions. We might contrast it with the halting steps of the uncertain or doubting man. He who goes in the straight path of wisdom, goes with strength of conviction.
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Proverbs 8:22
Posted by Jeff Short on December 17, 2016 · Leave a Comment
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Verses 22-31 speak of high things. We have seen wisdom in the streets, high places, gates, and the markets. Now we are given view of wisdom, possessed of God before the foundation of the world such that all God’s works are done in wisdom. Opinions vary greatly on this section of Scripture. The point here is not that God began to have wisdom as though there were some point when God did not have wisdom. The point here is to emphasize the importance of wisdom and that, concerning time, wisdom was before the creation. This means the universe was created with wisdom and wisdom is vital to its existence and maintenance. This supplies a powerful argument to see the importance of wisdom and to seek it more than silver and gold.– Proverbs 8:22
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