Most of us know that the general theme of the book of Proverbs is wisdom. But in chapter 8, verses 22-31, we are given access to realities that are nothing short of amazing.
We are told of wisdom’s connection to the very creation of all that is. In this passage wisdom is portrayed in personification – as an observer to creation itself – and also as God’s instrument in creation.
The passage lays out the particulars of creation in vs 22-29 in a general way and then builds to a glorious conclusion in verses 30-31 that is completely delightful.
And tucked right in the middle of this conclusion is one of the most beautiful truths in all of Scripture, for my money.
“Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman...”
(Proverbs 8:30a, NKJV)
Wisdom’s presence, 30a
Our text tells us that wisdom was there with God during creation as a “master craftsman.” The idea of course is not that there was another being there with God – a being called Wisdom.
Rather, what is being depicted for us is that as God was creating all matter, wisdom was the instrument He used.
Looking at the world around us it’s easy to see the fruit of wisdom in creation. The complexity of nature, the harmony of the seasons, all of creation is full of wisdom’s fingerprints.
As tempting as it is to expand on this, I must leave it to get to our destination. I want to turn to what I am calling A Beautiful Truth.
“And I was daily His delight,
Rejoicing always before Him.”
(Proverbs 8:30b, NKJV)
Wisdom’s pleasure, 30b
As wisdom was there at creation as both His instrument and – in the poetic language of our text – a personified observer, wisdom was overwhelmed by what she was seeing. “I was filled with delight day after day (during creation), rejoicing always in His (God’s) presence.”
Two words: delight and rejoicing. Let’s look at them.
Delight is actually plural – “delights.” The idea is that of extreme pleasure, of amusement. Think of a child skipping through a field or bursting into laughter at something delightful – that’s the image Scripture gives us. Wisdom is pictured as hopping with joy, completely taken with the beauty of God’s work.
Now let’s look at rejoicing. The word means – and I just love this – to laugh, to frolic ... to celebrate, to dance.
And these words together give us our beautiful truth. As wisdom watches creation unfold – being at once God’s instrument and an observer to the process – she cannot contain herself.
She is laughing and frolicking and clapping and dancing and ... celebrating ... at all the wonder before her eyes!
The Message translation has Wisdom saying it like this:
Day after day I was there, with my joyful applause!
Wisdom, older than creation itself is depicted here as frolicking like a child at Christmas over all she has witnessed at creation.
Before sin ever entered the world, before we were even made, the atmosphere around God’s work was filled with joy.
Not just power, not just intent – but also joy. Pure, unadulterated joy!
This, my friend, is the beautiful truth.
Take some time today to observe the world around you through the lens of delight. Notice the glory in a sunrise, the laughter of a child, the birds' morning songs. Let these realities of life remind you that God created everything not just with purpose and intent, but also with pleasure!
I love this!! I just did a study in the Spring through the book of Proverbs. I learned so much, and yet still so much to learn. I love the personification of Wisdom here. It takes me back to 1 Corinthians 1:24 where we are also told Jesus became to us wisdom from God.
There is so much depth to be learned that we barely even comprehend on this side of heaven. 🥰
Hi guys! Really appreciated this one, as a "recovering" Type A guy. :-)