‏ Proverbs 8

* Christ, as Wisdom, calls to the sons of men. (1-11) The nature

and riches of Wisdom. (12-21) Christ one with the Father, in the

creation of the world, and rejoicing in his work for the

salvation of man. (22-31) Exhortations to hear Christ's word.

(32-36)

1-11 The will of God is made known by the works of creation,

and by the consciences of men, but more clearly by Moses and the

prophets. The chief difficulty is to get men to attend to

instruction. Yet attention to the words of Christ, will guide

the most ignorant into saving knowledge of the truth. Where

there is an understanding heart, and willingness to receive the

truth in love, wisdom is valued above silver and gold. 12-21 Wisdom, here is Christ, in whom are all the treasures of

wisdom and knowledge; it is Christ in the word, and Christ in

the heart; not only Christ revealed to us, but Christ revealed

in us. All prudence and skill are from the Lord. Through the

redemption of Christ's precious blood, the riches of his grace

abound in all wisdom and prudence. Man found out many inventions

for ruin; God found one for our recovery. He hates pride and

arrogance, evil ways and froward conversation; these render men

unwilling to hear his humbling, awakening, holy instructions.

True religion gives men the best counsel in all difficult cases,

and helps to make their way plain. His wisdom makes all truly

happy who receive it in the love of Christ Jesus. Seek him

early, seek him earnestly, seek him before any thing else.

Christ never said, Seek in vain. Those who love Christ, are such

as have seen his loveliness, and have had his love shed abroad

in their hearts; therefore they are happy. They shall be happy

in this world, or in that which is beyond compare better. Wealth

gotten by vanity will soon be diminished, but that which is well

got, will wear well; and that which is well spent upon works of

piety and charity, will be lasting. If they have not riches and

honour in this world, they shall have that which is infinitely

better. They shall be happy in the grace of God. Christ, by his

Spirit, guides believers into all truth, and so leads them in

the way of righteousness; and they walk after the Spirit. Also,

they shall be happy in the glory of God hereafter. In Wisdom's

promises, believers have goods laid up, not for days and years,

but for eternity; her fruit therefore is better than gold. 22-31 The Son of God declares himself to have been engaged in

the creation of the world. How able, how fit is the Son of God

to be the Saviour of the world, who was the Creator of it! The

Son of God was ordained, before the world, to that great work.

Does he delight in saving wretched sinners, and shall not we

delight in his salvation? 32-36 Surely we should hearken to Christ's voice with the

readiness of children. Let us all be wise, and not refuse such

mercy. Blessed are those who hear the Saviour's voice, and wait

on him with daily reading, meditation, and prayer. The children

of the world find time for vain amusements, without neglecting

what they deem the one thing needful. Does it not show contempt

of Wisdom's instructions, when people professing godliness, seek

excuses for neglecting the means of grace? Christ is Wisdom, and

he is Life to all believers; nor can we obtain God's favour,

unless we find Christ, and are found in him. Those who offend

Christ deceive themselves; sin is a wrong to the soul. Sinners

die because they will die, which justifies God when he judges.