Proverbs 8 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
8:1–4
1-4. The publicity and universality of the call contrast with the secrecy and intrigues of the wicked (Pr 7:8, c.).
8:5
5. wisdom--literally, "subtilty" in a good sense, or, "prudence." fools--as Pr 1:22.
8:6
6. excellent things--or, "plain," "manifest." opening ... things--upright words.
8:7
7. For ... truth--literally, "My palate shall meditate," or (as Orientals did) "mutter," my thoughts expressed only to myself are truth. wickedness--specially falsehood, as opposed to truth.
8:8
8. in righteousness--or, "righteous" (Psa 9:8,11:7). froward--literally, "twisted," or contradictory, that is, to truth.
8:9
9. plain ... understandeth--easily seen by those who apply their minds. that find--implying search.
8:10
10. not silver--preferable to it, so last clause implies comparison.
8:11
11. (Compare Pr 3:14, 15).
8:12
12. prudence--as in Pr 8:5. The connection of "wisdom" and "prudence" is that of the dictates of sound wisdom and its application. find ... inventions--or, "devices," "discreet ways" (Pr 1:4).
8:13
13. For such is the effect of the fear of God, by which hatred to evil preserves from it. froward mouth--or, "speech" (Pr 2:12; 6:14).
8:14
14. It also gives the elements of good character in counsel. sound wisdom--(Pr 2:7). I ... strength--or, "As for me, understanding is strength to me," the source of power (Ec 9:16); good judgment gives more efficiency to actions;
8:15–16
15-16. of which a wisely conducted government is an example.
8:17
17. early--or, "diligently," which may include the usual sense of early in life.
8:18
18. durable riches ... righteousness--Such are the "riches," enduring sources of happiness in moral possessions (compare Pr 3:16).
8:19
19. (Compare Pr 8:11; 3:16).
8:20–21
20-21. The courses in which wisdom leads conduct to a true present prosperity (Pr 23:5).
8:22–31
22-31. Strictly, God's attributes are part of Himself. Yet, to the poetical structure of the whole passage, this commendation of wisdom is entirely consonant. In order of time all His attributes are coincident and eternal as Himself. But to set forth the importance of wisdom as devising the products of benevolence and power, it is here assigned a precedence. As it has such in divine, so should it be desired in human, affairs (compare Pr 3:19). possessed--or, "created"; in either sense, the idea of precedence. in the beginning--or simply, "beginning," in apposition with "me." before ... of old--preceding the most ancient deeds.
8:32–36
32-36. Such an attribute men are urged to seek.