Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
This place of a mediatrix - the speaker here now continues - she had from the beginning. God's world-creating work was mediated by her: 19 Jahve hath by wisdom founded the earth, Established the heavens by understanding. 20 By His knowledge the water-floods broke forth, And the sky dropped down dew. That wisdom is meant by which God planned the world-idea, and now also wrought it out; the wisdom in which God conceived the world ere it was framed, and by which also He gave external realization to His thoughts; the wisdom which is indeed an attribute of God and a characteristic of His actions, since she is a property of His nature, and His nature attests itself in her, but not less, as appears, not from this group of tetrastichs, but from all that has hitherto been said, and form the personal testimony, Pro 8:22., of which it is the praeludium, she goes forth as a divine power to which God has given to have life in herself. Considered apart from the connection of these discourses, this group of verses, as little as Jer 10:2; Psa 104:24, determines regarding the attributive interpretation; the Jerusalem Targum, I, when it translates, Gen 1:1, בראשׁית by בּחוּכמא (בּחוּכמתא), combines Pro 8:22 with such passages as this before us. יסד (here with the tone thrown back) properly signifies, like the Arab. wasad, to lay fast, to found, for one gives to a fact the firm basis of its existence. The parallel Pil. of כּוּן (Arab. kân, cogn. כהן, see on Isaiah, p. 691) signifies to set up, to restore; here equivalent to, to give existence. Pro 3:20 It is incorrect to understand 20a, with the Targ., of division, i.e., separating the water under the firmament from the water above the firmament; נבקע is spoken of water, especially of its breaking forth, Gen 7:11; Exo 14:21, cf. Psa 74:15, properly dividing itself out, i.e., welling forth from the bowels of the earth; it means, without distinguishing the primordial waters and the later water-floods confined within their banks (cf. Job 38:8., Psa 104:6-8), the overflowing of the earth for the purpose of its processes of cultivation and the irrigation of the land. תּהומות (from הוּם = המה, to groan, to roar) are chiefly the internal water stores of the earth, Gen 49:25; Psa 33:7. But while 20a is to be understood of the waters under the firmament, 20b is to be interpreted of those above. שׁחקים (from שׁחק, Arab. sḥaḳ, comminuere, attenuare) properly designates the uppermost stratum of air thinly and finely stretching itself far and wide, and then poetically the clouds of heaven (vid., under Psa 77:18). Another name, עריפים, comes from ערף, which is transposed from רעף (here used in 20b), Arab. r'af, to drop, to run. The טל added on the object accusative represents synecdochically all the waters coming down from heaven and fructifying the earth. This watering proceeds from above (ורעפו); on the contrary, the endowing of the surface of the earth with great and small rivers is a fundamental fact in creation (נבקעו).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The place of wisdom in the economy of creation and providence commends it to men, who, in proportion to their finite powers, may possess this invaluable attribute, and are thus encouraged by the divine example of its use to seek its possession.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth,.... He has created all things, and made the world by his Son, the Wisdom of God, Eph 3:9, Heb 1:2; not using him as an instrument; but, he being an efficient cause with him, to him, as to the first cause, the creation of all things is ascribed, Joh 1:1; and particularly the laying the foundation of the earth, Heb 1:10; and though this is true of the divine perfection of wisdom, Jer 10:12; yet from the context it appears best to understand it of the essential Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus; the Jerusalem Targum of Gen 1:1; is, "by wisdom God created", &c. and this serves greatly to set forth the dignity and excellency of Wisdom, or Christ, and so the happiness of that man that finds him; with this the account of him is closed and crowned; by understanding hath he established the heavens: or prepared, adorned, and beautified them, by placing the luminaries in them, and directing their station, motion, and influence; the making of the heavens, with all the host of them, is ascribed to the essential Word or Wisdom of God, Psa 33:6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:19-20 God’s wisdom created harmony in the universe. Having wisdom means living in conformity with principles embedded in creation.
The Blessings of Wisdom
18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. 19The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. 20By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Infinite Wisdom of God
By A.W. Tozer4.7K46:44Attributes of GodJOB 12:13PRO 3:19JER 10:12MAT 6:33ROM 16:271TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses how God, in His wisdom, has allowed the world to be under occupation by foreign soldiers. The preacher uses the book of Romans to explain that the creation itself is groaning and in pain due to this occupation. However, the preacher assures the listeners that God's wise plans will be carried out and that He will deliver creation from corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. The sermon emphasizes that despite the current state of the world with its destruction and ignorance, God will send His Son to bring peace and restore beauty to the earth.
Our Awesome God - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.9K08:47GEN 1:11GEN 1:29JOB 12:7PSA 104:14PSA 104:24PRO 3:19ISA 40:12MAT 6:28ROM 11:33This sermon delves into the profound wisdom and knowledge of God as revealed in Romans 11, emphasizing the intricate design and balance in creation that sustains life on Earth. It explores the intentional details in the universe, the Earth's position, the ratio of elements, and the propagation of plant life, showcasing God's meticulous craftsmanship and care for His creation.
Recovery of the Lords Name - Part 4 of 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K47:52RecoveryGEN 12:2EXO 2:11JDG 6:12JOB 28:23PRO 3:19MAT 20:28PHP 2:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Gideon from the book of Judges and relates it to the letter to the Philippians. The preacher emphasizes that God calls specific instruments according to His purpose and for the glory of His name. The preacher also highlights the importance of having the mind of Christ and emptying oneself to be used by God. The sermon concludes with a reference to the book of Job and the concept of finding wisdom in the emptiness.
Hope for the Fallen
By Shane Idleman2741:39HopeRedemptionPSA 37:23PRO 3:19Shane Idleman delivers a powerful message titled 'Hope for the Fallen,' emphasizing that falling is not the end, but rather the failure to rise again is what truly harms us. He encourages those who have stumbled, particularly in struggles like addiction, to get back up and refocus on God, as there is always hope for redemption. Drawing from Proverbs 3:19, he highlights the importance of wisdom in navigating life's challenges and the need for a biblical worldview amidst societal issues. Shane passionately asserts that true confidence comes from knowing God and that even in our darkest moments, He is there to uphold us. The sermon concludes with a call to worship and a reminder that God’s grace is sufficient for all who seek Him.
The Beginning
By Ernest O'Neill0GEN 1:1PSA 19:1PRO 3:19ROM 1:20COL 1:16Ernest O'Neill delves into the profound question of the origin of the universe, challenging common cliches and theories like evolution and the big bang. He emphasizes the intricate order and design present in the universe, from the molecular level to the planetary orbits, pointing to the existence of a superior reasoning power behind it all. O'Neill highlights the complexity of our environment and our bodies, suggesting that the universe originated from an intelligence as developed as human minds, rather than mere chance or luck.
Cheap Religion
By A.W. Tozer0DEU 4:6PRO 1:7PRO 3:191CO 1:24COL 2:3JAS 1:5JAS 3:13JAS 3:172PE 3:18Charles Simeon emphasizes that true wisdom is a gift from God, tracing all wisdom back to Him as its author. Spiritual wisdom, in contrast to worldly wisdom, involves living in light of God's revealed will and applying this knowledge to specific situations. Paul highlights that human wisdom is insufficient to comprehend God's plan for salvation, as it is the Holy Spirit who imparts spiritual wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and follow the best course of action based on knowledge and understanding, ultimately coming from God.
The Force
By Ernest O'Neill0GEN 1:1PSA 19:1PRO 3:19ROM 1:20HEB 3:4Ernest O'Neill discusses the origins of life, exploring the clues that point towards a Creator rather than chance. He delves into the order and design in the universe, quoting Einstein's view on the illimitable Spirit behind creation. O'Neill reflects on the concept of a personal Creator versus an impersonal force, highlighting the logical assumption that a greater form of life is behind human existence. He also touches on the universal sense of conscience and moral obligation, suggesting that these feelings may stem from a Supreme Being with higher standards.
June 8. 1678. the Seat of the Beast Became the Throne of the Lamb.
By Jane Lead0PRO 3:191CO 2:10EPH 3:20REV 5:13Jane Lead preaches about the manifestation of God's power and wisdom through the Holy Spirit, transforming the hearts of believers to be the throne of the Lamb. She emphasizes the need to surrender to the Spirit's leading, allowing God's sufficiency to flow as required, and anticipating the reign of the Omnipotent King over all earthly powers. Lead encourages fervent prayer inspired by the Spirit, leading to a continuous experience of God's power and presence.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
This place of a mediatrix - the speaker here now continues - she had from the beginning. God's world-creating work was mediated by her: 19 Jahve hath by wisdom founded the earth, Established the heavens by understanding. 20 By His knowledge the water-floods broke forth, And the sky dropped down dew. That wisdom is meant by which God planned the world-idea, and now also wrought it out; the wisdom in which God conceived the world ere it was framed, and by which also He gave external realization to His thoughts; the wisdom which is indeed an attribute of God and a characteristic of His actions, since she is a property of His nature, and His nature attests itself in her, but not less, as appears, not from this group of tetrastichs, but from all that has hitherto been said, and form the personal testimony, Pro 8:22., of which it is the praeludium, she goes forth as a divine power to which God has given to have life in herself. Considered apart from the connection of these discourses, this group of verses, as little as Jer 10:2; Psa 104:24, determines regarding the attributive interpretation; the Jerusalem Targum, I, when it translates, Gen 1:1, בראשׁית by בּחוּכמא (בּחוּכמתא), combines Pro 8:22 with such passages as this before us. יסד (here with the tone thrown back) properly signifies, like the Arab. wasad, to lay fast, to found, for one gives to a fact the firm basis of its existence. The parallel Pil. of כּוּן (Arab. kân, cogn. כהן, see on Isaiah, p. 691) signifies to set up, to restore; here equivalent to, to give existence. Pro 3:20 It is incorrect to understand 20a, with the Targ., of division, i.e., separating the water under the firmament from the water above the firmament; נבקע is spoken of water, especially of its breaking forth, Gen 7:11; Exo 14:21, cf. Psa 74:15, properly dividing itself out, i.e., welling forth from the bowels of the earth; it means, without distinguishing the primordial waters and the later water-floods confined within their banks (cf. Job 38:8., Psa 104:6-8), the overflowing of the earth for the purpose of its processes of cultivation and the irrigation of the land. תּהומות (from הוּם = המה, to groan, to roar) are chiefly the internal water stores of the earth, Gen 49:25; Psa 33:7. But while 20a is to be understood of the waters under the firmament, 20b is to be interpreted of those above. שׁחקים (from שׁחק, Arab. sḥaḳ, comminuere, attenuare) properly designates the uppermost stratum of air thinly and finely stretching itself far and wide, and then poetically the clouds of heaven (vid., under Psa 77:18). Another name, עריפים, comes from ערף, which is transposed from רעף (here used in 20b), Arab. r'af, to drop, to run. The טל added on the object accusative represents synecdochically all the waters coming down from heaven and fructifying the earth. This watering proceeds from above (ורעפו); on the contrary, the endowing of the surface of the earth with great and small rivers is a fundamental fact in creation (נבקעו).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The place of wisdom in the economy of creation and providence commends it to men, who, in proportion to their finite powers, may possess this invaluable attribute, and are thus encouraged by the divine example of its use to seek its possession.
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth,.... He has created all things, and made the world by his Son, the Wisdom of God, Eph 3:9, Heb 1:2; not using him as an instrument; but, he being an efficient cause with him, to him, as to the first cause, the creation of all things is ascribed, Joh 1:1; and particularly the laying the foundation of the earth, Heb 1:10; and though this is true of the divine perfection of wisdom, Jer 10:12; yet from the context it appears best to understand it of the essential Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus; the Jerusalem Targum of Gen 1:1; is, "by wisdom God created", &c. and this serves greatly to set forth the dignity and excellency of Wisdom, or Christ, and so the happiness of that man that finds him; with this the account of him is closed and crowned; by understanding hath he established the heavens: or prepared, adorned, and beautified them, by placing the luminaries in them, and directing their station, motion, and influence; the making of the heavens, with all the host of them, is ascribed to the essential Word or Wisdom of God, Psa 33:6.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:19-20 God’s wisdom created harmony in the universe. Having wisdom means living in conformity with principles embedded in creation.