They are all plain - נכחים nechochim , straight forward, over against every man, level to every capacity. This is true of all that concerns the salvation of the soul. To them that find knowledge - When a man gets the knowledge of himself, then he sees all the threatenings of God to be right. When he obtains the knowledge of God in Christ, then he finds that all the promises of God are right - yea and amen. read more
Receive my instruction, and not silver - A Hebrew idiom; receive my instruction in preference to silver. read more
Wisdom is better than rubies - See on Proverbs 3:15 ; (note). read more
I wisdom dwell with prudence - Prudence is defined, wisdom applied to practice; so wherever true wisdom is, it will lead to action, and its activity will be always in reference to the accomplishment of the best ends by the use of the most appropriate means. Hence comes what is here called knowledge of witty inventions, אמצא מזמות דעת daath mezimmoth emtsa , "I have found out knowledge and contrivance." The farther wisdom proceeds in man, the more practical knowledge it gains; and finding... read more
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil - As it is impossible to hate evil without loving good; and as hatred to evil will lead a man to abandon the evil way; and love to goodness will lead him to do what is right in the sight of God, under the influence of that Spirit which has given the hatred to evil, and inspired the love of goodness: hence this implies the sum and substance of true religion, which is here termed the fear of the Lord. read more
Counsel is mine - Direction how to act in all circumstances and on all occasions must come from wisdom: the foolish man can give no counsel, cannot show another how he is to act in the various changes and chances of life. The wise man alone can give this counsel; and he can give it only as continually receiving instruction from God: for this Divine wisdom can say, תושיה Tushiyah , substance, reality, essence, all belong to me: I am the Fountain whence all are derived. Man may be wise,... read more
By me kings reign - Every wise and prudent king is such through the influence of Divine wisdom. And just laws and their righteous administration come from this source. In this and the following verse five degrees of civil power and authority are mentioned. מלכים melachim , Kings. רזנים rozenim , Consuls. שרים sarim , Princes, Chiefs of the people. נדיבים nedibim , Nobles. And שפטים shophetim , Judges or Civil Magistrates All orders of government are from God.... read more
I love them that love me - Wisdom shows itself; teaches man the knowledge of himself; shows him also the will of God concerning him; manifests the snares and dangers of life, the allurements and unsatisfactory nature of all sensual and sinful pleasures, the blessedness of true religion, and the solid happiness which an upright soul derives from the peace and approbation of its Maker. If, then, the heart embraces this wisdom, follows this Divine teaching, and gives itself to God, his love... read more
Riches and honor are with me - Often the wise, prudent, and discreet man arrives literally to riches and honor; but this is not always the case. But there are other riches of which he never fails; and these seem to be what Solomon has particularly in view, durable riches and righteousness; the treasure deposited by God in earthen vessels. read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 8:8
All the words - are in righteousness - בצדק betsedek , in justice and equity, testifying what man owes to his God, to his neighbor, and to himself; giving to each his due. This is the true import of צדק tsadak . There is nothing froward - נפתל niphtal , tortuous, involved, or difficult. Or perverse - עקש ikkesh , distorted, leading to obstinacy. On the contrary, read more