Proverbs 8

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 8:36

He that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul. So Septuagint and Vulgate. And the truth stated is obvious—he who refuses to obey Wisdom, and transgresses her wholesome rules, will smart for it. Every sin involves punishment, injures the spiritual life, and demands satisfaction. But Delitzsch and others take חֹטְאִי , "my sinning one," "my sinner," in the older sense of "missing," as Job 5:24 , the derived meaning of "sinning" springing naturally from the idea of deviating from the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8

A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000. We may consider this chapter as connected with the preceding, and making one continued discourse. Solomon having represented, in what goes before, the dangerous seductions of pleasure, in the language of an adulterous woman; here he describes Wisdom inviting us to her love, in a noble, grand, elevated discourse, and by magnificent promises of the most solid advantages. She (1,) commends her doctrine and precepts, Proverbs 8:1-11 . (2,) She extols her divine and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:1

Proverbs 8:1. Doth not wisdom cry It is a great question what this wisdom is, of which Solomon discourses so largely and profoundly in this chapter. Some understand it of that attribute or perfection of the divine nature which is called wisdom, whereby God perfectly knows all things, and makes known to men what he judges it necessary or expedient for them to know. This is Bishop Patrick’s opinion, who says, “I take wisdom here, as it signifies in other places of this book, and hath been... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:2-6

Proverbs 8:2-6 . She standeth in the top of high places Where she may be best seen and heard; not in corners, and in the dark, as the harlot did; by the way in the places of the paths Where many paths meet, where there is a great concourse, and where travellers may need direction. She crieth at the gates The places of judgment, and of the confluence of the people; at the entry of the city To invite passengers at their first coming, and to conduct them to her house; at the coming in... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:7-10

Proverbs 8:7-10. For my mouth shall speak truth Hebrew, יהגה , shall meditate, that is, shall speak, not rashly and hastily, but what I have well considered and digested. Wickedness is an abomination, &c. I hate to speak it; therefore you may be assured I shall not deceive you. All the words of my mouth All my precepts, promises, threatenings; are in righteousness Are perfectly just and holy, and conformable to the rules of everlasting righteousness. There is nothing froward or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:12

Proverbs 8:12 . I wisdom dwell with prudence I do not content myself with high speculations, but my inseparable companion is prudence, to govern all my own actions, and to direct the actions of others. This is said because some persons have much knowledge and wit, but not discretion. And find out I help men to find out; witty inventions Of all ingenious designs and contrivances for the glory of God, and for the good of mankind. “It is the eternal Wisdom that speaks here. She it is from... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:13

Proverbs 8:13. The fear of the Lord Which he had before said to be the beginning of wisdom; is to hate evil It consists in a careful abstinence from all sin, and that not from carnal or prudential motives, but from real hatred to it, on account of its contrariety to the divine nature and attributes, its opposition to God’s word and will, its infinite evil in itself, and its eternally destructive consequences; pride Which he mentions first, as that which is most hateful to God, and most... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:14-15

Proverbs 8:14-15. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom Hebrew, ותושׁיה , and essence, that is, all solid, substantial, and useful wisdom is natural and essential to me. I am understanding By my nature and essence. Or, I am the author of understanding. I have strength Courage, resolution, and power, to execute all my counsels, and to conquer all difficulties. By me kings reign They obtain their kingdoms by my appointment and providence; and if they rule their kingdoms wisely and justly,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:17-18

Proverbs 8:17-18. I love them that love me I do not despise their love, though it be but a small and inconsiderable thing to me, but I kindly accept it, and will recompense it with my love and favour; and those that seek me early That is, with sincere affection, and great diligence, and above all other persons or things in the world; shall find me Shall not seek in vain, but shall obtain that wisdom which they so highly prize. Observe well, reader, in order that we may seek for wisdom... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Proverbs 8:20-21

Proverbs 8:20-21. I lead in the way of righteousness In the way of truth, justice, and mercy, of holiness and happiness; the way in which God would have men to walk, and which will certainly bring them to the desired end. In the midst of the paths of judgment, keeping at an equal distance from both extremes, and from the very borders of them. That I may cause, &c., to inherit substance Substantial, true, and satisfying happiness; which is here opposed to all worldly enjoyments, which... read more

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