Proverbs 8

2 in the top of high places, etc. Rather, “At the top of high places by the way; at the meeting of paths, she takes her stand”; like a herald making proclamations; not like the temptress, in secret.

6 excellent. Or, “princely”; upright, straightforward, and open, without duplicity.

8 froward. Lit., “twisted” or “crooked,” as R.V.

10 and not silver. That is, rather than silver: see Job xxviii. 15-19.

12 witty inventions. Or, “skilful plans.” All that tends to the due ordering of life is, so to speak, the discovery of Wisdom.

17 those that seek me early, etc. Or, “diligently.” This promise is the counterpart of the threatening in i. 28, where see note.

20 lead. Rather, “walk.”

21. That I may cause, etc. Or, “I have wherewith to enrich those that love me.”

22 possessed me. Rather, “got” or “produced me (see Gen. iv. 1), as the beginning of His way.”

26 the highest part. Heb., “the head”; meaning probably the “first clod of the earth” (the “beginning,” R.V.).

27 set a compass. Or, “drew a circle”; alluding to the curved appearance of the boundary of the sea or of the arch of heaven.

28. When He established, etc. Or, “When He fixed the clouds on high”: see Gen. i. 6, 7, and note; Job xxvi. 8.

29. When He gave to the sea his decree, etc. Rather, “When He put to the sea its limit, so that the waters should not pass its shore.”

30 as one brought up with Him. Some render, “as an architect,” or “a master-workman” (R.V.). But perhaps the best meaning is a foster-child; cp. Numb. xi. 12; Isa. xlix. 23; lx. 4.

rejoicing always before Him. The personality of the Creator is here strikingly shown. The creation is not soulless development of nature.

36 love death. They court destruction: see i. 29-32.