VIII.(n). Fourteenth Discourse:—The Praise of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:0)(1) Doth not wisdom cry?—See above on Proverbs 1:20. In contrast with the secret allurements of Vice under the cover of night, is here represented the open invitation of Wisdom. (Comp. John 18:20 : “I spake openly to the world . . . and in secret have I said nothing.”) read more
(2) She standeth in the top of high places.—i.e., in the higher parts of the city, where her voice will best be heard.By the way . . .—She goes everywhere where she may find the greatest concourse of people, “God not being willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). So the apostles made large centres of population such as Antioch, Ephesus, or Corinth, the headquarters of their missionary enterprise. read more
(4) O men—i.e., “great ones;” “sons of man” are those of inferior rank; comp. the Hebrew of Isaiah 2:9, where the same words are translated “great man,” and “mean man.” Comp. the generality of the invitation of Psalms 49:2. read more
(5) O ye simple.—See above on Proverbs 1:4 for an explanation of “simple,” as also of “wisdom” (‘ormah) there translated “subtilty.”Ye fools.—(khesîlîm), see above on Proverbs 1:22. read more
(6) The opening of my lips shall be right things.—That is, I will open my mouth to speak them. read more
(8) Froward.—That is, twisted, or crooked. read more
(9) They are all plain . . .—Because “the secret of the Lord is (only) with them that fear Him “(Psalms 25:14), and God reveals such things unto them by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10), while the “natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him” (ibid., Proverbs 8:14). read more
(11) Rubies.—See above on Proverbs 3:15. read more
(12) Dwell with prudence.—(‘ormah), literally, inhabit it, have settled down and taken up my abode with it, am at home there.Witty inventions.—Literally, well thought out plans (mezimmôth) translated “discretion” (Proverbs 1:4). read more
Get a Bible verse delivered to your inbox every day!
Read on Mobile
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 8:1-36
Wisdom’s CryWisdom now reappears as a preacher, holding forth in all the places where men most do congregate. After expounding in varied ways the excellence of the gifts which she can bestow, she asserts that she was the first of all God’s creatures, who stood at His side when He formed our world, and took part in His work as a master workman, whose delight has always been in the lives and affairs of men. In Proverbs 8:1-21 we find only the ordinary kind of personification, in which a quality... read more