wisdom. The eighth and ninth chapters of Proverbs are the climactic chapters in the first section of Proverbs, written either for Solomon, by David, or by Solomon for Rehoboam. They provide a remarkable exposition of the divine Wisdom, personified as the virtuous kinswoman, then also at its central heart, identified with Christ Himself (Proverbs 8:22-36).

fear of the Lord. Although there are fourteen references to “the fear of the Lord” in Proverbs, this is the one reference that in effect defines what it is. The true fear of the Lord is to hate evil!

seek me early. Superficially this seems to conflict with Proverbs 1:28: “they shall seek me early but shall not find me.” However, the subjects of the first promise are “those that love me;” those of the second are those who “have set at nought all my counsel” (Proverbs 1:25).

possessed. “Possessed” is the same word as “acquired.” The Lord Jesus Christ was not merely the only Son of God, but the only begotten Son of God. He was “in the beginning” with God, and He was God (John 1:1-2). At the same time, He is the “only begotten” (John 1:18; 3:16; etc.), eternally proceeding from the Father (Micah 5:2). The doctrine of the “eternal generation” of the Son from the Father is beyond human comprehension, but can be apprehended by faith as the only way to explain all we know about the Father and the Son.

of old. God's “ways” were before His “works.”

set up. “Set up” is the same word as “anointed.”

no depths. “Depths” is the same word as “deep;” this is a reference to the primeval “fountains of the great deep,” which provided the antediluvian water supply before they were “broken up” at the Flood (Genesis 7:11).

brought forth. Another reference to the “eternal generation” of the Son. He was before the earth, or anything.

highest part. The “dust of the world” probably has the same meaning as the “dust of the ground,” from which Adam's body had been formed by God (Genesis 2:7). The “highest part” [that is, 'chief part'] of this dust of the world—that is, the basic elements of matter from which all things are made—could be either the most complex combinations of matter or, more likely, the particles of dust high in the earth's upper atmosphere.

compass. “Compass” (Hebrew khug) is the same word as “circle” in Isaiah 40:22, as well as “compassed” in Job 26:10. All three clearly refer to the roundness of the earth, especially to the spherical nature of sea level, defining, as it were, the global shape of the earth. The Bible never teaches a flat earth, though the charge is frequently made.

depth. “Depth” is the same word as “deep.”

the clouds. The word for “clouds” is also the word for “sky,” and means “thin vapor.” This seems to be a reference to the “waters above the firmament” in the original creation (Genesis 1:7), most likely an extensive canopy of water vapor.

fountains of the deep. A reference to the “fountains of the deep,” originally “strengthened” to provide firm conduits from the sub-terrestrial “deep” which provided water for the lands in the primeval hydrologic cycle.

not pass his commandment. These events evidently refer to the work of the third day of creation week, when the solid land materials emerged from the ubiquitous waters.

foundations of the earth. The “foundations of the earth” were not appointed until the third day. Compare Job 38:4-7, which speaks of the angels—who were created on the first day—as shouting for joy when the foundations of the earth were laid.

his delight. Presumably this is a reference to the joyful fellowship within the Godhead, dating from eternity past and expressed outwardly in the great work of Creation.

habitable part. “Habitable part” is one word in Hebrew, normally rendered “world.” The joy of the Creator in His creation focused especially on “the sons of men (i.e., 'Adam'),” those created in His image.

findeth life. This is a clear reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, the very personification of the divine wisdom, in whom alone a lost sinner can find eternal life.