Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 8
Albert Barnes Commentary
Proverbs 8
Albert Barnes Commentary
Proverbs 8
"Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice?" — Proverbs 8:1 (ASV)
A companion picture to that in (Proverbs 7:0), and serving in some measure to generalize and idealize it. Wisdom also calls (Proverbs 8:5) to the “simple” and the “fools,” and they have to choose between her voice and that of the temptress.
"On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she standeth; Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud:" — Proverbs 8:2-3 (ASV)
The full enumeration of localities points to the publicity and openness of Wisdom’s teaching (see Proverbs 1:20 note), as contrasted with the stealth and secrecy and darkness which shroud the harlot’s enticements (Proverbs 7:9).
"Unto you, O men, I call; And my voice is to the sons of men." — Proverbs 8:4 (ASV)
Men ... sons of man - The two words are used, which, like viri and homines, describe the higher and the lower, the stronger and the weaker. Compare the Psalms 49:2 note.
"Hear, for I will speak excellent things; And the opening of my lips shall be right things." — Proverbs 8:6 (ASV)
Excellent - literally, “princely things.” The word is not the same as in the marginal reference, and is elsewhere always used of persons (compare “captain” in 1 Samuel 9:16; 2 Samuel 5:2). The poetic style of this part of the book applies it here to the things taught, or to the character of the teaching.
"All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; There is nothing crooked or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, And right to them that find knowledge." — Proverbs 8:8-9 (ASV)
Words of the ideal Wisdom, which find their highest fulfillment in that of the Incarnate Word. Compare Luke 4:22; Matthew 11:19.
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