Proverbs 8 & 9 -- Where Wisdom Began and Begins

Chapter 8 talks about wisdom from God, yet also we can plainly see Christ in all of this, stated just as clearly as in John 1:1 - "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God, and the Word was with God."

There is an amazing family portrait painted in verse 30.  Speaking as Christ about God at creation:  "Then I was beside Him as a master workman; And I was daily HIS delight, rejoicing ALWAYS before Him."

My commentary tells us what that shows:

• 1) His activity in creation ... The Lord Jesus was the active agent of creation.
• 2) His position of affection and delight before God. The eternal and infinite love of the Father for His Son increases the marvel that He would ever send that Son to die for sinners.
• 3) Jesus' personal delight before God. This magnifies the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ - that He would ever leave that scene of pure and perfect joy to come to this jungle of shame, sorrow, and suffering."

Chapter 9, verse 10 has priceless advice for us:  "Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord, and understanding begins with knowing the Holy One."

For humans to try and build on any other foundation is an exercise in futility.  Any supposed knowledge and wisdom we think we have attained without God is utter foolishness.

Father, I've seen in my own life how absolutely stupid and ignorant I was when I refused to include You in my decisions.  Other ideas may sound tempting, but they are only Satan's hollow echoes of lies, striving to pull me from You.  Help me to always start first with You, knowing that I can't possibly go wrong by doing so.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford