Read Proverbs 8:22–36
Questions from the Scripture text: Who possessed wisdom, when (Proverbs 8:22a)? Before what (verse 22b)? When was He established (Proverbs 8:23)? How was He established (Proverbs 8:24-25)? What was not yet done (Proverbs 8:26)? Who was there for the doing of what things (Proverbs 8:27-29)? What was His role (Proverbs 8:30)? What was God’s disposition toward Him (verse 30b)? What was His own disposition (verse 30c)? In what else did wisdom rejoice (Proverbs 8:31)? How does wisdom address the reader in Proverbs 8:32a? What will be their disposition/condition, if they do what (verse 32b)? So what must they do (Proverbs 8:33a)? And what mustn’t they do (verse 33b)? What does “hearing instruction” (cf. verse 33a) look like (Proverbs 8:34b–c)? What will they thus find (Proverbs 8:35)? What do they do to Him if they do not listen (Proverbs 8:36a)? And what do they do to themselves? What is their disposition to Him if they do not listen (verse 36b)? What do they love (verse 36b)?
Who is Wisdom? Proverbs 8:22–36 looks forward to the sermon in this week’s midweek meeting. In these fifteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ is, unto us, the wisdom of God, indeed God Himself, the Creator.
Finally, wisdom is presented not just a personified attribute, but a Person. The second Person of the Godhead, to be exact. It’s obvious, in this passage, that this is God the Son, Who would become the Man, the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:3). YHWH’s great possession (Proverbs 8:22) is not any created thing or being, but Him Himself. This is the glorious inheritance of the saints, when they inherit together with the Lord (cf. Romans 8:17; Ephesians 1:11).
Proverbs 8:25b indicates something of the union of the Triune Godhead and one of the personal properties of the Son (that He is begotten of the Father). This is the same idea that is related in the New Testament by the term monogenes, only-begotten (μονογενής, cf. John 1:14, John 1:18, John 3:16, John 3:18; Hebrews 11:17; 1 John 4:9). More than this, we cannot say, because it touches something within God Himself, and we can only say whatever He says.
Proverbs 8:26-29 poetically recap Genesis 1:1–10. Proverbs 8:30a makes clear that this personified “Wisdom” is more than just a possession; He is equal with God Himself. He Himself is Craftsman of creation. But He is something before any creation. He is both the joy of God (verse 30b) and delighter in God (verse 30c). God’s delight in Himself is further expressed in delight in His creatures, especially in His image-bearers (Proverbs 8:31). This is the Lord’s pleasure in saving: redeeming those who come to be happy (more literal than “blessed” in Proverbs 8:32b, Proverbs 8:34a) in Him. This is the ultimate nature of finding wisdom: listening to Christ (verse 34a) about Christ. Eagerly desiring Him, and doing all that we can to have Him (verse 34b–c), because having Him is having the pleasure of God Himself (Proverbs 8:35).
Failing to value and desire Christ like this is to sin against Him (Proverbs 8:36a) and hate Him (verse 36b). Let that sink in. We must not let ourselves dismiss, as mere spiritual apathy, what is really the sinning against Jesus and hating Jesus. To do so is wicked blasphemy, and irrational self-destruction.
How is “watching daily” and “waiting for” Christ reflected in your habits and priorities? In what (Whom?) do you find your happiness? What place does the deity of Christ, as the Creator, have in your thoughts of Him? What are you hoping to inherit with the Lord Jesus?
Sample prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise You, Who are the delight of the Father from all eternity. Grant unto us to delight in You as He does, and to delight in the Father as You do, by the ministry of Your Spirit, which we ask in Your Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP26 “LORD, Vindicate Me” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”