The Wisdom of God: An Unmarried Speaker in Proverbs Chapter 8 Verse 22

The book of Proverbs is replete with exquisite descriptions of wisdom, reflecting both divine and human attributes. Proverbs 8, verse 22, is particularly intriguing, presenting a speaker who is associated with God's creative acts. The text reads:

“For I was the one speaking righteousness, mighty to save. And I was at the very beginning of him, his work of old. I was appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth came to be when he established his overarchingpanse, before the deeps were first formed when he marked off the horizon on the face of the waters, before the drainage channels of the deeps were settled in place, when the solemn mountains were established, before the primeval hills were settled in place, while he was still with God, as a master craftsman and a friend, remaining constantly in full approval before him, delighting always in his work of righteousness” (Proverbs 8:22-31, NIV).

This verse is rich with implications and theological significance. It raises the question of who or what this speaker is. Why is this speaker being described in such grand terms, and what does it mean for our understanding of divine attributes and the nature of wisdom?

Understanding the Speaker in Proverbs 8:22

The speaker in Proverbs 8:22 is indeed a unique entity. Traditionally, wisdom is often portrayed as a personification of divine wisdom or abstract thought. However, the description in Proverbs 8:22 seems to indicate that this speaker is more than just an abstract concept. The text describes the speaker as being "at the very beginning of him, his work of old." This suggests a deeper, more personal engagement with the divine.

Further, the speaker is described as being appointed from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth came to be. This indicates that the speaker is not only wise but also part of the eternal plan of God. The speaker is involved in the creation of the universe, making it clear that they are an integral part of God's creative acts. The description also includes the speaker's role as a "master craftsman" and a friend to God, indicating a close and intimate relationship with the divine.

Divine Wisdom vs. Abstract Wisdom

This passage cannot be speaking merely about divine wisdom or wisdom in the abstract. Why not? The wisdom that is here described was "produced" or created as the beginning of God's way. God has always existed and has always been wise. The wisdom in Proverbs 8:22 is a personified entity that exists in the beginning, representing a more personal and intimate aspect of divine wisdom.

The Psalms, particularly Psalm 90:1-2, affirm this understanding: "For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning." Here, the concept of eternity is emphasized, suggesting that wisdom is not a mere abstract concept but an eternal entity.

Divine Wisdom and the Trinity

The description of the speaker in Proverbs 8:22 also hints at the Christian concept of the Trinity. The passage speaks of the speaker being with God from the beginning, suggesting a preexistence with God. Psalm 22:22-23 also speaks of the speaker's association with God, further reinforcing this idea: "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the assembly I will sing your praise. You who fear the Lord, praise him; all you descendants of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel." This speaks of a close relationship with God.

Furthermore, the concept of the speaker being "with" God, rather than "I will make man," as God says in Genesis 1:26, suggests a role for the speaker in the creation of man. Genesis 1:26-27 states: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, with dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."

Conclusion: The Speaker of Proverbs 8:22

In conclusion, the speaker in Proverbs 8:22 is a unique entity, representing divine wisdom or a preexistent aspect of God. This speaker is part of God's creative acts, involved in the establishment of the universe, and exists in close and intimate relationship with God. The description aligns with the Christian concept of the trinity, suggesting a relationship between the speaker and God before the creation of man.

This raises profound theological questions about the nature of God, the role of wisdom, and the concept of preexistence. The passage invites us to contemplate the rich and complex relationship between God and wisdom, deepening our understanding of divine attributes and the role of wisdom in creation.