Proverbs 8:22-31

Proverbs 8:22-31

[22] The LORD  possessed  me in the beginning  of his way,  before  his works  [23] I was set up  from everlasting,  from the beginning,  or ever  the earth  [24] When there were no depths,  I was brought forth;  when there were no fountains  abounding  with water.  [25] Before the mountains  were settled,  before  the hills  was I brought forth:  [26] While as yet he had not made  the earth,  nor the fields,  nor the highest part  of the dust  of the world.  [27] When he prepared  the heavens,  I was there: when he set  a compass  upon the face  of the depth:  [28] When he established  the clouds  above:  when he strengthened  the fountains  of the deep:  [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:  [30] Then I was by him,  as one brought up  with him: and I was daily  his delight,  rejoicing  always  before  [31] Rejoicing  in the habitable part  of his earth;  and my delights  were with the sons  of men. 

What does Proverbs 8:22-31 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

As Creator, God counted wisdom most important. Wisdom is older than the universe, and it was essential in its creation. Nothing came into existence without wisdom. Wisdom leads to joy because creation produces joy ( Proverbs 8:30-31) both for the Creator and for the creature. God made and did nothing without wisdom. Therefore it is very important that we obtain it. That is the point.
"What has the voice of wisdom to say concerning the integration debate in Christian counseling? The wisdom literature of the Old Testament invites the study of human nature, behavior, and change from sources outside the canon of Scripture as well as in Scripture itself. Wisdom also exemplifies the use of methods that neither emerge exegetically from the Bible nor utilize the words of Scripture itself. Even when Scripture is used, wisdom often dictates which texts are most appropriate for a given situation and how application needs to take shape. At the same time, wise counselors recognize that the Bible is the only perfect authority for guiding faith and practice. Since the essence of wisdom is the fear of the Lord, a heart of adoration and submission to God is the foundation for skillful living, especially in the face of life"s most severe experiences. Not only in counseling, but in all aspects of life, wisdom calls for a deeper reverence for God in conforming one"s life to the Creator"s design." [1]
"The beginning of God"s way" ( Proverbs 8:22) probably refers to the beginning of His creative work ( Genesis 1), since that is what Solomon described in the verses that follow. [2] Wisdom always existed as an attribute of God. [3] Proverbs 8:30 pictures wisdom as God"s constant and intimate companion. As such we should value it highly. One writer concluded that wisdom is a link or bond between the Creator and His creation. [4]