Pro 8:30 | JFB | STEP | 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 ). 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.

‏ Proverbs 8:30

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.