proverbs-8:1-5-esv

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Proverbs 8:1

"This chapter forms at once the nucleus and the climax of this section of Proverbs. It includes a profound presentation of Wisdom as the moving principle of the ways of God."[1]The great problem in the chapter is the interpretation of Proverbs 8:22-31. Are they to be understood as speaking of Christ; or, are they merely a personification of Wisdom in the literary and poetic sense alone?That the passage most certainly carries the most significant overtones of Jesus Christ himself is undeniable,... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 8:1

Proverbs 8:1. Doth not wisdom cry, &c.— We may consider this chapter as connected with the preceding, and making one continued discourse. The wise man has 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. From the 1st verse to the 12th she commends her doctrine and precepts; from the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Proverbs 8:2

Proverbs 8:2. By the way, &c.— Upon the way, within, or amidst the paths. The LXX read, She hath stood in the middle of the paths. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 8:1

1-4. The publicity and universality of the call contrast with the secrecy and intrigues of the wicked (Proverbs 7:8, &c.). read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Proverbs 8:5

5. wisdom—literally, "subtilty" in a good sense, or, "prudence." fools—as :-. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 8:1-5

Wisdom as guide 8:1-5By personifying wisdom Solomon was able to illustrate two things about it in these verses, both of which concern the guidance that is available in wisdom (understanding, insight). Wisdom is available everywhere (Proverbs 8:2-3) and to anyone (Proverbs 8:5). It does not take a superior intellect to be wise in the biblical sense. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Proverbs 8:1-36

13. The function of wisdom ch. 8Chapter 8 is an apology (defense) of wisdom. The argument of this section develops as follows. Wisdom would be every person’s guide (Proverbs 8:1-5; cf. Galatians 5:18; Galatians 5:22-23). She is morality’s partner (Proverbs 8:6-13), the key to success (Proverbs 8:14-21), the principle of creation (Proverbs 8:22-31), and the one essential necessity of life (Proverbs 8:32-36). Chapter 8 contains the longest sustained personification in the Bible. [Note: Merrill,... read more

John Dummelow

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Proverbs 8:1

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