| Proverbs 8 Previous Chapter | Next Chapter 1 Does not wisdom cry, and understanding put forth her voice? 2 She stands in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. 3 She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 4 "To you, O men, I call out; and my voice is to the sons of men. 5 O you ignorant ones, understand wisdom; and, you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Hear for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be to right things. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; there is nothing against truth or perverse in them. 9 They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, rather than silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence [discretion], and I find out knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and deceitfulness. 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom. I am understanding; I have strength. 15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. 16 By me princes and nobles rule; as well as all the judges and magistrates of the earth. 17 I love those who love me; and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me.1 ["The Father is in you all, Christ is in you, and the Kingdom of Heaven is in you; there, in your hearts, is where you will find them all. Know him there searching your hearts, and find him there trying your minds and hearts; incline your ears, and give ear to him there, who will render to everyone of you according to your words and works whether they are good or evil," (by George Fox).] 18 Riches and honor are with me; yes, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my profit is better than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment; 21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth; and I will fill their treasuries. 22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was formed. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth. 26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there; when he set a compass upon the face of the depth; 28 When he established the clouds above; when he strengthened the fountains of the deep; 29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment; when he appointed the foundations of the earth; 30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;2 31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. 32 Now therefore listen to me, O you children for blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and do not refuse it. 34 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. [From the Word of the Lord within: "Without our promises the soul is grieved; with them the soul settles down to a vigilant tribute to the Lord." To wait and watch is a tribute to the Lord; a tribute is something that you do to show that you respect and admire someone or something. To show respect and admiration for God by waiting and watching for Him is the beginning of love of God.] 35 For whoever finds me, finds life; and he shall obtain favor of the LORD. 36 But he who sins against me, wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me, love death." Previous Chapter | Next Chapter | |||||||||
1 I love those who love me. Jesus said: If a man loves me, he will obey my spoken words; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him [in his heart]. He who doesn't love me, does not obey my spoken words. John 14:22-24.
those who seek me early and diligently shall find me. This is a wonderful promise and reassurance to the youthful seekers of God. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke of his youth. Lam 3:27. Jesus said: Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Mat 11:29-30. As William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, said in his farewell advice to his family and children:
In your youthful days seek after the Lord, that you may find Him; remembering his great love in creating you; that you are not beasts, plants, or stones, but that He has kept you, and given you his grace within, and substance without, and provided plentifully for you. This remember in your youth, that you may be kept from the evil of the world; for in age it will be harder to overcome the temptations of it.
2 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning. Then I was by him, as one brought up with him; and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was god. The same was in the beginning with God. John 1:1-2. It should be clear: Jesus Christ is the ruler of the heavens, King of the Angels, the Word of God, the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:24. Jesus has the seven Spirits of God. Rev 3:1.The Word, who dwelled with God in the beginning, stepped out to become Jesus, the firstborn of the dimension of the new creation.
_______________________________________