What do Proverbs chapter 8 verses 22-34 mean?

Answer 1

A:

The book of Proverbs was written in several layers, with the first layer being a story of Lady Wisdom, a spirit or goddess who was with God at the creation. Later layers added the introduction that attributed the book to Solomon (verse 1:1), as well as material about philosophical wisdom, that has tended to obscure the older verses about (Lady) Wisdom. By the last century BCE, some parts of Judaism were becoming uncomfortable with Wisdom, and she ceased to be part of the Judaic belief system by the end of the first century CE. However, the Book of Proverbs was too important to omit from the Hebrew canon. English translations also sometimes show 'wisdom' in lower case, where the original meaning suggests the person of Wisdom.

We are told to know Wisdom and perceive her words of understanding, then we see Wisdom taking to us. At first, these words could indeed be attributed to Solomon, but then Proverbs 1:20 makes it clear who the speaker really was(KJV): "Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets ..."

Answer 2

In Proverbs 8:22-34, wisdom is personified as a noble and valuable entity that existed before creation. This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and the benefits it brings, including understanding, success, and favor from God. It contrasts the rewards of wisdom with the consequences of rejecting it, highlighting the significance of making wise choices in life.

Answer 3

The whole of chapter 8 of Proverbs speaks of wisdom. It is personified here and acts as God's dynamic Word. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the Wisdom and Word of God. Verses 22-34 tells the reader God, who possesses all knowledge, brought forth knowledge. Wisdom had a beginning only in the sense that God singled it out for a special display at that time; insofar as it is one of God's perfections, it has always existed. (see John 1:1-3; 1 Corinthians 24, 30; Colossians 2:3).

A proverb is a self-contained unit that presents a capsule truth about life, the world, and the way God works. They are written in Hebrew poetic style, with its customary varieties of parallel units. Often, they employ bold imagery and daring uses of language, stating what is obvious at times, while at other times they reveal what cannot be seen by direct observation.

Answer 4

Much of the Book of Proverbs tells us about Lady Wisdom, a spirit/goddess who was revered by the Jews from the time of the Babylonian Exile until around the end of the first century CE, and who is thought to have been the ancient Hebrew goddess of wisdom. Some apocryphal books of the intertestamental period provide more information on Wisdom, and she is mentioned in the Christian gospels.

Proverbs chapter 8 opens with (KJV) "Doth not Wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?" This passage (8:22-34) describes how Wisdom was with God at the time of creation before moving on to explain the importance of keeping her ways (8:35-36): "For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death."

John's Gospel introduces Jesus as being with God in the beginning, in many ways parallelling the ancient story of Wisdom.