Matthew Henry on Proverbs 8:12-21
Wisdom here is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; it is Christ in the word and Christ in the heart, not only Christ revealed to us, but Christ revealed in us. It is the word of God, the whole compass of divine revelation; it is God the Word, in whom all divine revelation centres; it is the soul formed by the word; it is Christ formed in the soul; it is religion in the purity and power of it. Glorious things are here spoken of this excellent person, this excellent thing.
I. Divine wisdom gives men good heads (Pro 8:12): I Wisdom dwell with prudence, not with carnal policy (the wisdom that is from above is contrary to that, Co2 1:12), but with true discretion…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 8:19
(Compare Pro 8:11; Pro 3:16).
John Gill on Proverbs 8:19
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold,.... This is said in allusion to the fruit that grows on trees, Wisdom, or Christ, being a tree of life; see Gill on Proverbs 3:18; and so he is compared to other trees, Sol 2:3. His "fruit" are the blessings of grace, such as redemption, reconciliation, pardon, justification, adoption, and eternal life; these are his by covenant, are procured by him, and are communicated from him; also the graces of his Spirit called fruits, as faith, hope, love, &c. of which he is the author and object; and even good works, the fruits of his grace; they are done in virtue of union to him, by his strength, and are directed to his glory: and all these, especi…
Read the whole note in the consoleKeil & Delitzsch on Proverbs 8:17-21
The discourse of Wisdom makes a fresh departure, as at Pro 8:13 : she tells how, to those who love her, she repays this love:
17 "I love them that love me,
And they that seek me early find me.
18 Riches and honour are with me,
Durable riches and righteousness.
19 Better is my fruit than pure and fine gold,
And my revenue (better) than choice silver.
20 In the way of righteousness do I walk,
In the midst of the paths of justice.
21 To give an inheritance to them that love me
And I fill their treasuries."
The Chethı̂b אהביה (ego hos qui eam amant redamo), Gesenius, Lehrgeb. 196, 5, regards as a possible synallage (eam = me), but one would rather think that it ought to be read (יהוה =) 'אהבי ה.…
