Wesley Corpus

Chapter VIII A recommendation of Divine wisdom, ver. 1 - 21. The praise of the Son of God, the eternal Wisdom of the Father, ver. 22 - 31. An exhortation to hearken to him, ver. 32 - 36. Wisdom - It is a great question what this wisdom is. Some understand it of the Divine wisdom; others of the second person in the Godhead: and it cannot be denied that some passages best agree to the former, and others to the latter opinion. Possibly both may be joined together, and the chapter may be understood of Christ considered partly in his personal capacity, and partly in regard of his office, which was to impart the mind and will of God to mankind. High place - Where she may be best seen and heard. Paths - Where many paths meet, where there is a great concourse, and where travellers may need direction. Gates - The places of judgment, and of the confluence of people. The entry - To invite passengers at their first coming and to conduct them to her house. The doors - Of her house. O men - To all men without exception. Ye simple - Who want knowledge, and experience. Fools - Wilful sinners. To him - Whose mind God hath enlightened. To them - That are truly wise. And not silver - Rather than silver. I dwell - My inseparable companion is prudence to govern all my actions, and to direct the actions of others. Find out - I help men to find out. Inventions - Of all ingenious contrivances for the glory of God, and for the good of men. Wisdom - All solid and substantial and useful wisdom is assential to me. By me - They rule their kingdoms wisely and justly, by my counsel and assistance. Their injustice is from themselves, but all the good they do, they owe to my conduct. I love - I do not despise their love, but kindly accept it and recompence it with my love and favour. Early - With sincere affection and diligence, which he mentions as the evidence of their love. Substance - Substantial happiness: opposed to all worldly enjoyments, which are but mere shadows. Possessed me - As his son by eternal generation, before the beginning. Of old - His works of creation. Set up - Heb.