Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 8

(n) . Fourteenth Discourse:— The Praise of Wisdom (Proverbs 8:0)

Doth not wisdom cry?— See above on Proverbs 1:20. In contrast with the secret allurements of Vice under the cover of night, is here represented the open invitation of Wisdom. (Compare to John 18:20: I spake openly to the world ... and in secret have I said nothing.)

She standeth in the top of high places.— i.e., in the higher parts of the city, where her voice will best be heard.

By the way...—She goes everywhere where she may find the greatest concourse of people, God not being willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). So the apostles made large centres of population such as Antioch, Ephesus, or Corinth, the headquarters of their missionary enterprise.

O men — i.e., “great ones;” “sons of man” are those of inferior rank; compare the Hebrew of Isaiah 2:9, where the same words are translated “great man,” and “mean man.” Compare the generality of the invitation of Psalms 49:2.

O ye simple. —See above on Proverbs 1:4 for an explanation of “simple,” and also of “wisdom” (‘o rmah) there translated “subtilty.”

Ye fools. —(khesîlîm), see above on Proverbs 1:22.

The opening of my lips shall be right things. —That is, I will open my mouth to speak them.