FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation Proverbs 8:23
KJVI was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
Read it in context
The Call and Nature of Wisdom
Start reading at Proverbs 8:1 (Proverbs 8:1 to Proverbs 8:36).
This passage is a self-contained discourse by personified Wisdom, detailing her nature, origin, and benefits.
- 8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice?
- 8:2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths.
- 8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors.
- 8:4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
- 8:5 O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.
- 8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
- 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
- 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them.
- 8:9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
- 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
- 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
- 8:12 I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
- 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
- 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.
- 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
- 8:16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.
- 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
- 8:18 Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness.
- 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
- 8:20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
- 8:21 That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.
- 8:22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
- 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
- 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
- 8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
- 8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
- 8:27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
- 8:28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
- 8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
- 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
- 8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
- 8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
- 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.
- 8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
- 8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.
- 8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Solomon is the principal named contributor, with additional sayings of the wise, Agur, and King Lemuel's mother's instruction. Hezekiah's men are credited with copying a collection of Solomon's proverbs. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:1; Proverbs 22:17; Proverbs 25:1; Proverbs 30:1; Proverbs 31:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Proverbs 1:1–9:18): The teacher or parent addresses a son or pupil; Wisdom and the opposing seductive voices are personified within the instruction. These speeches train hearers rather than narrate a gathering of every person used as an example. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Learners seeking wisdom, especially the young and inexperienced, as well as wise readers seeking further understanding. The repeated son-address presents parental or teacherly instruction. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:4; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 1:8. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the eternal pre-existence of Wisdom, her establishment by God before creation, and her active role in the creation of the world. stated in the text
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the profound and eternal nature of Wisdom, demonstrating that she was 'set up from everlasting' and present with Him before the earth was formed, highlighting her divine origin and essential role in His plan. stated in the text
- What is the literary style? The literary style is poetic and didactic, employing personification to describe Wisdom as a divine entity speaking directly to humanity. interpretation
When
- When was it written? The book of Proverbs was written between approximately 950 and 700 B.C. book background
- When does the event take place? The events described in Proverbs 8:23 and the surrounding verses take place before the creation of the earth, 'from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was,' and 'before his works of old.' stated in the text
Where
- Where did it happen? The events described, concerning Wisdom's pre-existence, occurred before the physical creation of the earth and its features, in an eternal, pre-cosmic setting. stated in the text
- Where was the author located? The principal author, Solomon, was located in Jerusalem. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Call and Nature of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:1 to Proverbs 8:36). Start reading at Proverbs 8:1. This passage is a self-contained discourse by personified Wisdom, detailing her nature, origin, and benefits.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? Proverbs 8:23 is central to Wisdom's grand discourse (Proverbs 8:1-36), establishing her divine origin and eternal nature. This foundational truth underpins her authority to call humanity to seek her, promising life and favor, and contrasting her with the destructive path of folly presented in earlier chapters. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The personification of Wisdom in Proverbs 8, particularly her pre-existence, role in creation, and delight in humanity, is widely understood as a profound foreshadowing or type of Jesus Christ. Christ is identified as the eternal Word and Wisdom of God, through whom all things were made, existing with the Father before all creation. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? This passage calls believers to recognize the eternal and divine nature of true wisdom and to diligently seek it. Since Christ is the embodiment of God's wisdom, applying this today means seeking Christ, listening to His instruction, and living according to His ways, which leads to life and favor with God. interpretation
Cited: Proverbs 8:1-36, Proverbs 8:22, Proverbs 8:23, Proverbs 8:24-26, Micah 5:2, John 1:1-3, John 17:24, Colossians 1:15-17, 1 John 1:1-2, 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30
Who wrote it, and how we know
Solomon, with Agur and Lemuel
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe book names Solomon, and also Agur and King Lemuel, and notes that Hezekiah's men copied out further proverbs.
Proverbs 1:1Proverbs 25:1Proverbs 30:1Proverbs 31:1
Early traditionTradition credits Solomon as the principal author.
What is debatedThe book itself describes later collecting, so it reached its final form after Solomon.
Related passages
- I was set up from everlasting, from the b… Gen 1:26 Ps 2:6 Mic 5:2 John 17:24 Eph 1:10-11 1 John 1:1-2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs 8
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of Proverbs
Proverbs identifies several collections and contributors. Its sayings teach wisdom in conduct; a general observation is not automatically an unconditional promise for every individual circumstance. Read contrasts and parallel lines together.
Proverbs 1:1 Proverbs 10:1 Proverbs 25:1 Proverbs 30:1 Proverbs 31:1
FocusThe fear of the LORD and the choice of a path
Connection to the wholeExtended appeals introduce the moral and relational setting in which the shorter sayings should be read.
interpretation The proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 10:1–22:16FocusWise and foolish conduct
Connection to the wholeThe shorter sayings teach through contrasts, comparisons, and observations across the everyday life of the community.
interpretation Words of the wise
Proverbs 22:17–24:34FocusInstruction, justice, and disciplined conduct
Connection to the wholeThis collection continues the instruction through longer admonitions and observations, including further sayings of the wise.
interpretation Further proverbs of Solomon
Proverbs 25:1–29:27FocusCollected wisdom for life and rule
Connection to the wholeThe sayings identified with Hezekiah's copying activity extend the collection's instruction concerning conduct and leadership.
interpretation The words of Agur
Proverbs 30:1–33FocusHuman limits and ordered observations
Connection to the wholeAgur's words combine confession of limited understanding, prayer, and numerical sayings about the world and human conduct.
interpretation The words of Lemuel and the capable woman
Proverbs 31:1–31FocusJust rule and faithful work
Connection to the wholeThe final chapter joins instruction concerning rulers with an ordered portrait of a woman's capable and generous work.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.