Proverbs 8

Proverbs 8:4

THe sons of man] the Italian, The common people] See Psal. 49. 2.

Proverbs 8:9

They are all] Their uprightnesse is cleere and evident, to all such as are enlightned by the holy Ghost, though your sensuall and carnall men doe judge otherwise of it. See Romans 7. 22. 1 Corinth. 1. 18.

Proverbs 8:12

Dwellwith] I doe enjoy and have by me, and doe bestow upon all my true Disciples good and wholesome counsels and needfull prudence for their whole life.

Proverbs 8:13

The feare] Which is the beginning of all true wisdome which I teach. Proverbs 17:7.

Proverbs 8:14

Sound] See concerning this word Proverbs 2:7.

Proverbs 8:15

By me] I the eternall Sonne of God who am the Fathers subsisting wisdome. Proverbs 1:20. and supreme Lord of the world, doe appoint Kings and Princes, by such wayes and meanes as I please they all have their authority and power from me, as my servants and deputies. Neither can they justly execute their offices, but by following of my lawes. See concerning this true wisdome. Luke 11:49 Decree justice] or give sentences.

Proverbs 8:18

Righteousnesse] That is to say, a just guide, defence, and recompence, or according to the custome of the Hebrewes liberality and beneficence.

Proverbs 8:20

I lead] The Italian, I walke] or I leade and direct.

Proverbs 8:21

Substance] Italian, The true being] namely, true life and subsistence in Gods grace in this world, and afterwards the glorious life of heaven.

Proverbs 8:22

Possessed me] that is to say, I the Sonne was in the Father and by him, in the unspeakable unity of sence, and in the union of the persons Iohn 1. 1 Of his way] that is to say of his workes, to performe which workes hee is (as one should say) come forth of his eternall rest and the mansion of his glory.

Proverbs 8:23

I was] By the everlasting decree of the Father. I the Son have been established Lord and Governour of the world, for to represent my Fathers Majestie; who hath bin alwayes hidden in his inaccessible glory, John 5:22. Colossians 1:18. Hebrews 1:2 Set up] Or consecrated, as Psalme 2. 6 Or ever] From everlasting, before any time, which began but only with the creatures. See Psal. 90. 2.

Proverbs 8:24

I was brought forth] That is to say engendred of the Fathers owne essence.

Proverbs 8:25

Setled] Like to great workes or buildings which have deep foundations.

Proverbs 8:26

The highest part] Namely this admirable superficies of the earth, so adorned, various, copious, and fruitfull.

Proverbs 8:27

I was there] Working with him, as a joynt equall, and cooperating cause, John 1:3. Colossians 1:16. Hebrews 1:2 when bet] When he gave a round forme to the masse of the Elements, yet all mixed together called the deepe, Genesis 1:2. which round forme remained to the universe after the Elements were severed.

Proverbs 8:28

The clouds] The Italian, The Heaven] The Hebrew word signifieth properly that aethereall part which is above the Elementall, which Moses calleth the upper waters, Genesis 1:6-7 Strengthened] When hee shut them up within the great concavities of the earth, as in strong and well barred fences, from whence they cannot issue forth, as they did in the floud, See Genesis 7:11.

Proverbs 8:29

Appointed] Namely when he fixed the earth in the center of the universe where it standeth immoveable through its own proper weight, Job 26. 7. and 38. 4. Psalme 104. 5.

Proverbs 8:30

By him] Figurative termes to expresse in some kinde the unspeakeable union betweene the Father and the Sonne: and the Fathers perfect love towards him, Iohn 1. 18.

Proverbs 8:31

Rejoycing] As the propertie of my person is to worke upon outward things, so all my delight is in preserving, and keeping the world whole, and in it to governe, enlighten, and doe good to men, Iohn 1. 4.

Proverbs 8:34

Watching] For to attend continually upon my service, and study and meditate upon my word. A figurative terme taken from Princes guards on from the Levites which watched in the Temple.