The Filet Mignon of Wisdom
07.24.24
The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. (Proverbs 8:23)
We are at the heart of the teaching on Wisdom in Proverbs, the book of wisdom.
Thus far in chapter 8 we have learned that wisdom is the guide for every person (1-5). It is available to everyone. It is actively seeking us.
It is the partner with morality (6-13). It speaks to us of things that are excellent, plain, worthy, resourceful, and steadfast.
Wisdom is also the key to success in life (14-21). Here, personified as a woman, we are urged to recognize her power, respond to her invitation, and take advantage of her promised riches.
We come now to the filet mignon, if you will, of the chapter and of the book. Wisdom is presented to us as the Lord Jesus Christ (22-31).
Repeatedly in this book, Solomon has urged his son to seek wisdom. He has spoken as a parent. Here the instruction reaches its highest point as Wisdom is pictured as an independent being. As someone has said, “A pure, seeking heart will see in these verses our Lord Jesus.” Paul reflected of Christ, In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
Three truths are presented that identify Wisdom with our Lord, Jesus. We will have space to consider two of these this week.
First, He was with Jehovah before Creation (22-26). The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. (23) I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. (24) When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. (25) Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: (26) while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
Admittedly, this is a difficult text. At first glance, it sounds as if the Father created the Son. However, this is not the case. Rather, it speaks of His eternal generation from the Father. The Father and the Son, along with the Holy Spirit, are all eternal. They are Three but also One. Jesus existed Eternally with the Father. These are wonderfully mysterious biblical truths.
Second, He aided Jehovah in Creation (27-29) . When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: (28) when he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: (29) when he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
In all the creative work of God, Wisdom was with Him. The words indicate that God is a Master Craftsman! Of course we have other verses that show Jesus as co-Creator with the Father and the Spirit. (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16)
There is a third truth in this passage identifying the Wisdom as Jesus. We will plan to consider it next time.
Meanwhile, if we at Immanuel Baptist Church can be of any help to you, please feel free to call upon us.