Proverbs 8:26

highest part Rather, beginning; R.V. text ("or sum," marg.); i.e. the primary elements out of which other things were subsequently formed. Comp. "all his work which God createdand made," Genesis 2:3.

The idea that man is intended as the "chief part of the dust of the earth," out of which he was formed, has little to commend it.

dust Lit. dusts (plural), i.e. particles, or clods, of earth. Comp. dusts of gold, Job 28:6, where R.V. marg. suggests lumps.