_A.M. 3004. B.C. 1000._ We may consider this chapter as connected with the preceding, and making one continued discourse. Solomon having represented, in what goes before, the dangerous seductions of pleasure, in the language of an adulterous woman; here he describes Wisdom inviting us to her love,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Doth not wisdom cry_ It is a great question what this wisdom is, of which Solomon discourses so largely and profoundly in this chapter. Some understand it of that attribute or perfection of the divine nature which is called _wisdom_, whereby God perfectly knows all things, and makes known to men wh... [ Continue Reading ]
_She standeth in the top of high places_ Where she may be best seen and heard; not in corners, and in the dark, as the harlot did; _by the way in the places of the paths_ Where many paths meet, where there is a great concourse, and where travellers may need direction. _She crieth at the gates_ The p... [ Continue Reading ]
_For my mouth shall speak truth_ Hebrew, יהגה, _shall meditate_, that is, shall speak, not rashly and hastily, but what I have well considered and digested. _Wickedness is an abomination_, &c. I hate to speak it; therefore you may be assured I shall not deceive you. _All the words of my mouth_ All m... [ Continue Reading ]
_I wisdom dwell with prudence_ I do not content myself with high speculations, but my inseparable companion is prudence, to govern all my own actions, and to direct the actions of others. This is said because some persons have much knowledge and wit, but not discretion. _And find out_ I help men to... [ Continue Reading ]
_The fear of the Lord_ Which he had before said to be _the beginning of wisdom; is to hate evil_ It consists in a careful abstinence from all sin, and that not from carnal or prudential motives, but from real hatred to it, on account of its contrariety to the divine nature and attributes, its opposi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom_ Hebrew, ותושׁיה, _and essence_, that is, all solid, substantial, and useful wisdom is natural and essential to me. _I am understanding_ By my nature and essence. Or, I am the author of understanding. _I have strength_ Courage, resolution, and power, to execute all... [ Continue Reading ]
_I love them that love me_ I do not despise their love, though it be but a small and inconsiderable thing to me, but I kindly accept it, and will recompense it with my love and favour; _and those that seek me early_ That is, with sincere affection, and great diligence, and above all other persons or... [ Continue Reading ]
_I lead in the way of righteousness_ In the way of truth, justice, and mercy, of holiness and happiness; the way in which God would have men to walk, and which will certainly bring them to the desired end. In the midst of the paths of judgment, keeping at an equal distance from both extremes, and fr... [ Continue Reading ]
_The Lord possessed me_ As his eternal Wisdom and Word, which was in the beginning with _him, John 1:1_, and _in him, John 14:10_, and was afterward _made flesh_, and dwelt among men, as the _only begotten of the Father, full of truth and grace, John 1:14_. _Before his works of old_ His works of cre... [ Continue Reading ]
_When he prepared the heavens I was there_ Not as an idle spectator, but as a co-worker with my Father. _When he set a compass upon the face of the depth_ Of that great abyss of water and earth, mixed together, which is called both _earth_, and _water_, and _the deep_, (Genesis 1:2,) when he made th... [ Continue Reading ]
_Then I was by him_ Conversant with him, and united to him, as was said before; _as one brought up with him_ As one tenderly and dearly beloved by him. _I was daily his delight_ His _elect; in whom his soul delighted, Isaiah 42:1_. _Rejoicing always before him_ In constant and most intimate communio... [ Continue Reading ]
_Now therefore hearken_, &c. Seeing I have a true love to you, and seeing I am so thoroughly acquainted with my Father's mind, and so excellently qualified to be your Counsellor and Ruler; _hear instruction and be wise_ Hearken, I beseech you, and yield to the voice of your own reason, and of God's... [ Continue Reading ]
_But he that sinneth against me_ By the neglect or contempt of, or rebellion against my commands; _wrongeth his own soul_ Doth the greatest injury to his own soul: he even destroys it, and is guilty of the worst kind of murder, of soul-murder. _All they that hate me_ That reject and disobey my couns... [ Continue Reading ]