This chapter contains a bewitching picture of Wisdom as a noble matron. Were it not for this feminine touch, we might, suppose that the Preacher had become a Prophet and was discerning the lineaments of Christ, who in His human life embodied the Divine Wisdom, as indeed He was the Eternal Word.
She stands in the open places; her ringing voice is heard down the streets, appealing to those who are entering the city gates or doors of the houses. There is no muttering or whispering; but the beauty of goodness illuminates all she says. She insists on her own value, as compared with the valuables that men prize. The central point in her promises is that she imparts those great moral qualities which imply the true leadership and right estimate of others. What a precious word is Proverbs 8:17 : but we can never forget that we love "because He first loved us." Oh, the mystery and wonder of it! And can that love ever fail us? [source]
Chapter Summary: Proverbs 8
1the fame 6and evidence of wisdom 10The excellence 12the nature 15the power 18the riches 22and the eternity of wisdom 32Wisdom is to be desired for the blessedness it brings
What do the individual words in Proverbs 8:16 mean?
By meprincesruleand noblesallthe judgesof the earth
Parse: Verb, Qal, Imperfect, third person masculine plural
Root: שָׂרַר
Sense: to be or act as prince, rule, contend, have power, prevail over, reign, govern.