Proverbs 8
PATThe folly and danger of yielding to those brutish lusts and affections, whereby so many are misled, having been plainly discovered and livelily described in the foregoing chapter; the wise man proceeds in his design/ by appealing to all that read these things, whether they be not sufficiently cautioned against those courses which ruin them; and abundant care be not taken to make them reallywise and happy. For he knew none could answer those questions negatively which he asks in the beginning of the chapter, (ver. 1, 2, &c.) but all must confess they have been informed in the doctrine of wisdom. Whom he represents as present every where, and commending itself to all sorts of persons with a sincere affection, (ver. G, &c.) as infinitely better than all the treasures which they greedily seek, (ver. 10.) and to be desired and valued upon so many accounts, that it is not easy to number them. Particularly for that prudence and that authority, which it gives to those who are endued with it, (ver. 12. 14, 15, &c.) and more than this, because it makes them approach near unto God, the fountain of wisdom and goodness, and the original pattern of them, (ver. 21, 22, &c.) l This is expressed in such magnificent language, that, though Solomon,. I suppose, thought of nothing but the wise directions God had given them in his word, revealed to them, by his servant Moses and the prophets; yet the ancient Christians thought his words might better be dp-, plied to the wisdom revealed unto us in the gospel by the Son of God; nay, to the Son of God himself, the eternal Word, and wisdom of the Father. la] Whom the Arians, by a false interpretation of a passage in this chapter, (ver. 22.) endeavour to prove a creature: but, according to the Hebrew verity, if this text belong to that matter, appears to have been, as St. John speaks, with the Father in the beginning, being his only begotten before all worlds. And so the word HJp which we translate possess, sometimes signifies in Scripture; and, as it is thus rendered by the LXX. in Zech.,xiii. 5. so ought it -to be translated in Gen. iv. 1. (not J have gotten, or possessed, but) I have brought forth a man from the Lord: as Bochartus discourses in his Phaleg. p. 784.- >’■ • But 1 said, if it belong to that matter, because the fathers themselves are not resolved, whether these words (ver. 22.) may not rather be applied to our blessed Saviour, 2M2 [chap. yin. according to his human jiaturc. For so tho great Athanasius himself sometimes expounds them (though at other times he goes the other way), allowing the Arian sense of ttcTiat, he created me; this is not to be understood (saith he, in his Expositio Fidei, torn, i. p. 242.) of the Divinity of Christ; " but awftariKtog «c TQv’biaovv yiypawTai, is written of Jesus bodily, as ho was born of jth.c Virgin Mary. For of this KvpiaKog avSpuwog (as he speaks), whom he sent for our salvation, it may be paid truly, that he was the beginning of God’s ways: we have access by him to God the Father, as he himself saith, I am the way, which leads to the Father." And afterward, in his epistle about the decrees of the Niccne council, (p. 262.) he glosses upon these words in this manner; “The person who here speaks is, indeed, our Saviour, who is to be conceived to say this when he took a body, the Lord created me in the beginning of his ways. For as, with respect to his being the Son of God, it is most agreeable to say, he teas always 9 and in the bosom of the Father: so, being made a man, this saying was very becoming, the Lord created me.” And, to name no more places, he interprets it thus several times, in his third oration against the Arians, (p. 415. 417, &c.) where he hath these ^YO^ds:, V It is as if he had said, My Father made me a body, and created me to be among men for their salvation." But this not being the sense of the words which Solomon first intended, I shall not build my Paraphrase upon it; but take wisdom here, as it signifies in other places of this book, and hath been hitherto described. Whom Solomon now celebrates for her most venerable antiquity, (as Aristobulus observes to Ptolemy, in Eusebius’sProepar. |2vang. lib. xiii.p. 667.) anjl introduces, like a most beautiful person, no less th^n ^ queen; or rather some jpiyipe being (infinitely to be preferred before that base stnirapjct spoken of in the foregping chapter). Who hav-. ing finished her own praises, which, the truth is, better agree to thjit heavenly doctrine afterward delivered by our Lord Jesus Christ (who \va$ the wisdom of the Father, both as the eternal AOrOS subsisting with him before all worlds; and as he ^yas anointed by the Holy Ghost to declare to us all the counsel of God), concludes with an ^arpest invitation unto all to become acquainted with her instructions, if they meant to be happy, and would avoid the greatest miseries, (ver. Q2, 33, &c.). There are so many notable lessons to be learnt out of this * chapter, that it would make this preface too long, if I should mention them all, I shall therefore name only one doctrinal point; that if this chapter be at all to be understood of the Divinity of the Son of God (which the Arians believed), then both his eternity is most plainly here asserted, and also his distinct subsistence and personality, as we speak, (vcr. 22. 30.) And these two practical: first, that it is a vain, pretence we make to wis- _ dqm, if the fear of God and true virtue be wanting; (vcr.,13. 20.) and, secondly, the whole chapter supposes,what the last verse more particularly expresses, thai. every man’s death and destruction are from himself; who wrongs his own soul; and that against the desire and earnest frequent importunities of the wisdom of God: unto which ho will not hearken; but perversely rejects the seasonable reproofs and the wholesome advices, which,.on many occasions, he meets withal,, to prevent his ruin. They that follow the Vulgar Latin iWicy they find a proverbial saying, ver. Ij3. where -that which w.c translate a froward mouth, they translate a mouth wUh two tongues: but I have followed the Hebrew, which speaks of a worse sort of perverse language than that phrase alone. signifies. of ^Ybich is exactly conformable to the rule of righteousness; there is nothing I enjoin or forbid merely to hamper and perplex you, or to abridge you of your just liberty, much less to misguide and pervert you in the pursuit of what is good for you. Vcr. 9. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.] But, whatsoever they may seem to inconsiderate and prejudiced minds, they will all manifestly appear equal and just unto him that use$ his reason; and approve themselves, as I said, exactly conformable to the strictest rules of righteousness, unto well-disposed minds, who will be at the pains to know the difference between right and wrong, or between that which is good and that which is evil for them. in the mind of God long before the sources and springs: whoso excellent waters, which are of greater value than any other, owe their rise unto me, the inexhausted fountain of all things.
Proverbs 8:1
JDOTII not wisdom cry? arid understanding put forth her voice?. Can you then hereafter pretend ignorance, and say you never had any caution givenyou against these snares? Or rather, have Tnot the greatest reason to chide you for your stupidity in hearkening unto those secret allurements to the deeds of darkness, when their shamefulncss is so apparent? and you havo had so many open and loud admonitions given you to be wiser; and such.serious and earnest endeavours have been used, by repeated instructions and reproofs, to reclaim you from your folly?
Proverbs 8:2
She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the patlts. There is no public crier better heard and understood by all, when from a high place he makes proclamation to the people, than the rules of wisdom and virtue are: which do not lie concealed, nor can be altered at our pleasure; but present themselves continually to men’s thoughts wheresoever they go, being as plain as the highway, and remaining unmoveable and fixed notwithstanding all the attempts that have been made to subvert them.
Proverbs 8:3
She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Let their business be what it will, whether in the courts of judgment, or among those that traffic in the city, or in their own private habitation, still they know what their duty is: which their own con* science, as well as God’s ministers, rings so continually in their ears, that they cannot avoid suchinformations.
Proverbs 8:4
Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of men. Which they hear as plainly and distinctly, as if wisdom itself should call to them from above, saying, Hearken, O men, of whatsoever rank and condition you be; whether high or low, rich or poor; for my instructions are common to you all. Vcr. 5. O ye simple ones, understand wisdom; and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.] Your fault is, that you are inconsiderate, and easily cheated, (vii. 21, 22.) or, which is worse, stupidly bent to follow your sensual appetite; as if you had no better inclinations: but if you will attend, 1 will make you more circumspect and wary; and dispose you to be led by prudent counsels.
Proverbs 8:6
Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. Do not turn away your cars, but listen to ray words; for I will teach you things most worthy of your notice and choice; which will conduct you safely in all the passages of your lifo; and lay before you such a plain, direct, and easy path, that if you walk in it you shall not miss of being happy.
Proverbs 8:7
For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. For I will utter nothing rashly, or contrary to the truth; all falsehood, deceit, and whatsoever may do hurt, being so detestable to me, and so far from my thoughts, that the correction of such wickedness is the aim of my discourse.
Proverbs 8:8
All the tvords of my month are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or. perverse in them. ’ Every word
Proverbs 8:10
Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. They will not think me unreasonable, when I commend the very rebukes which I give them, (though administered by some sharp affliction, iii. 14.) and set such a high price upon them, as to advise every one to accept them rather than silver; and to value the knowledge of God, and of themselves, and of all tilings else (which these corrections teach them), above the choicest gold.
Proverbs 8:11
For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to he compared to it. For true wisdom is such an inestimable jewel, that the most precious pearls are trash to it; nor can our boundless fancies present any thing to our wishes, that is worthy to come in competition with it.
Proverbs 8:12
I wisdom dwell ivith prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. For what is there comparable to a prudent mind, which is not crafty to deceive, but so cautious as not to be deceived? And this 1 may boast is solely in my power to endow men withal; who ever give the safest, nay, infallible advice, and direct men to discreoter resolutions in the most difficult cases, than the subtlest head in the world, that consults not with me, can invent for his clients.
Proverbs 8:13
The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and qjrrogancy, and the evil ivay, and thefroward mouth, do I hate. And my rules are as short as they are sure: for I teach men, in the first place, religiously to worship and Stand in awe. of the Divine Majesty; which is but a vain pretence; I farther instruct them, if it do not make them abominate all manner of evil, though but in design; more particularly, I hate that vain opinion men have of their own abilities to compass their designs, which makes them forget God, and despise the wholesome advice of honest men; as I likewise do the use of all unlawful means, though the end be good; especially lying, calumny, detraction, breach of faith, which every one must renounce who will have my friendship.
Proverbs 8:14
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. Who am the ablest counsellor iii all deliberations; and give men the most certain, solid, and never r failing advice, for the effecting their desires* or being contented with disappointments: for I comprehend whatsoever is fit to be done or omitted in all undertakings; and inspire men also with courage to persist in good resolutions, which are neither rashly taken, nor wrongfully pursued. Vcr. 15. By tm “kings reign, and princes decree, justice.] Kings themselves sit not fast on their thrones, though placed there by God himself, unless they be ruled by me: the wisest senators cannot support themselves and them, but by persuading them to enact and execute just and merciful laws for the government of their people.
Proverbs 8:16
By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. In vain do their great captains, or other ministers, endeavour to defend them, but under the conduct and protection of my virtuous discipline: nobles and all the judges of the land lose their authority, if they do not faithfully observe the rules that I prescribe them.'
Proverbs 8:17
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Which are no less amiable than they are easily known: there needing no more to come acquainted with me, but only to love me: for they that love me are beloved of me; and as they will not fail to seek what they love, so they shall certainly find what they studiously ^eek.
Proverbs 8:18
t Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. And together with me, they shall find such riches and honour, as shall add to the greatness, and splendour, and stability, of their kingdoms aftd dignities: for not merely riches and honour are in my donation, but durable, possessions; which will last the longer, because they are not gotten either by oppression, or by niggardice; for I teach men both to do justly and to love mercy also. (Dan. iv. 24.)
Proverbs 8:19
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. Whereby I bring them in greater treasures than gold, though never so massy, never so refined; a revenue of higher value than the purest and choicest silver in the world.
Proverbs 8:20
I lead in the way of righteousness, in tlte midst ofthepatlis of judgment^. For I set their minds and hearts aright, and enrich them with excellent thoughts; which teach them how to use those earthly goods, and govern themselves with such exactness in all their private transactions or public administrations, as never to swerve from the steady rules of justice and equity.
Proverbs 8:21
TJiat I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.’) In order tp their happy settlement in a state of eternal peace and substantial satisfaction, which I confer on all those that sincercly.love and adhere unto me; whose souls I will fill as full with abundance of inestimable riches, as their treasuries are with silver and gold, and all other stores.
Proverbs 8:22
TJieJLord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.) For the Lord himself hath I no greater riches than me, who lead men to a participation of him, and communion with him, (iii. 19, 20.) with whom I was ever present (as well as always most dear unto him),* not only when he began to create this world, but before he made any of his works; when, as yet, there was nothing but himself.
Proverbs 8:23
I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. My sovereignty and dominion is from everlasting; and hath no superior to it: all antiquity comes infinitely short of mine; who was before the earth itself, the common mother of all mankind. (Gen. ul.)
Proverbs 8:24
When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding ivith water.) When, as yet,, there were no depths, (Gen. i. 2.) I was conceived
Proverbs 8:25
Before the mountains were settled; before the hills was I brought forth. Who had a being before the mountains, from whence those waters run, were settled; or there was so much as a hillock to be seen in the earth.
Proverbs 8:26
While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. For as yet the Lord had not made the earth itself, (as I said before, ver. 23.) much less adorned it, and put it into this form of lofty mountains and spacious plains: no, there was not so much as the first atom of this globe wherein you tread.
Proverbs 8:27
When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth. But why do I speak of the earth alone? I was present when he disposed the heavens into this wonderful order, wherein we behold them, as well as when he moved upon that confused abyss which they enclosed, and fashioned the earth into a regular shape.
Proverbs 8:28
When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep. When he made the watery clouds also, with admirable wisdom, so firm in the air, that they shall not fall down altogether, but by drops upon the earth: and provided strong cisterns for the waters pent up there; from whence they gush out forcibly, and yet wear not away the passages he hath opened for them. f Ver* 29. JVJien he gave to the sea his decree, that the tuaters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth.] When he prescribed also to the sea its limits, that the waters thereof (though they swell and toss up and down) shall not pass over the shores wherein he hath confined them: and when he settled the earth so steadfastly, like a building upon sure foundations, that it remains unmoveable in the place he appointed for it:
Proverbs 8:30
Tlien I was by him, as one brought up tvithhim; and I tvas daily his delight, rejoicing always before him. Then was I with him, nay, very near unto him; contriving all these things: nor had he any higher pleasure than me, who, day by day, during the creation of the world, produced some lovely work or other; in which he rejoiced, to see how good and agreeable they were, (Gen. i. 4. 10. 12. 18.
Proverbs 8:31
Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and yiwj delights were with the sons of men. More particularly, I displayed my skill in the vast variety of creatures, wherewith I have beautified this earth wherein you dwell; which afford a most delightful spectacle unto me, and unto all wise observers: who may see, that, above all the rest, my principal thoughts were fixed upon the children of men, (Gen. i. 26.) in whom I delighted exceedingly; (as the Lord doth in me, ver. 30.) beholding them made in the image of God, and, after his likeness, capable to converse with me.
Proverbs 8:32
Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my tvays. Who may therefore justly expect (all these things considered) that you should cheerfully embrace my repeated counsels; and, as dutiful children, take the greatest pleasure in being obedient to them: for blessed, you cannot but see, blessed, be- [CHAP. IX. yond all expression, are they who observe (as all other creatures do) the laws that I have prescribed them.
Proverbs 8:33
Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Hearken, I beseech you, and yield to the voice of your own reason, and of God’s holy word and spirit; which checks the irregular motions which you find at any time in you; and be so wise and considerate as not to slight and reject it.
Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man that, heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. But rather invite such instructions, by giving them thankful entertainment, and going thither where you may meet with them: for happy, more happy than can be expressed, is that man, who not only hearkens obediently when he is told his duty, but makes it his business to be rightly informed; neglecting no opportunity, but constantly and diligently attending there, where he may be taught how he ought to live; most earnestly desiring to become my disciple, and to be governed by me.
Proverbs 8:35
For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. In which, whatsoever pains he bestows, he shall not lose his labour: for as he shall not fail to find what he seeks, so he shall find withal, that I will make his life a perpetual pleasure to him; for I have demonstrated that he must needs be beloved of the Lord, to whom I am most nearly allied, and from him he shall obtain his heart’s desire., Ver. 3G. But he that sinneth against me, wrongeth his own soul; all they that hate me, love death.] From whence it is manifest, that he who violates my laws, doth the greatest injury unto his own soul;. and whosoever they be that hate to be reproved for it, and can neither endure to be told of their faults, nor receive any good advice, they love to be miserable, and wilfully bring upon themselves utter* destruction.