The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth....when he marked out the foundations of the earth, then I was beside him, like a master workman....The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Proverbs 8:22-23, 8:29-30, 9:10
This week I start a deep-dive of Proverbs based on the Crossway Knowing the Bible series volume for this book. Week 1 of this study starts with a few broad questions, including a look at Proverbs 8-9, and it asks "how should we understand the personification of wisdom" in these chapters? Proverbs 8:22-23 indicates that God possessed wisdom and it existed both before creation (as part of Himself) and at the start of creation, before He created anything else. The implication is that He brought it forth, distributing it as part of creation, manifesting in creation a part of Himself. Colossians 1 helps further unpack how perhaps Jesus Christ is wisdom when Paul writes:
[Jesus Christ] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16
Proverbs 8:29-30 and 9:10 continue to explain how we should understand the personification of wisdom by pointing out that wisdom was "beside" God during creation and how fear of the Lord initiates wisdom - we must see God first and foremost and He reveals and creates wisdom in our hearts and minds.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the source of all creation, and You both possess and distribute wisdom - to those who submit and follow You. Thank You Jesus for giving me wisdom as a means to navigate life - and my prayer is that I use it to please and glorify You as I know that is why exist. I am not deserving of how You bless me. My sin is great and it continues daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
