S – “The Lord acquired me at the beginning of his creation, before his works of long ago.
23 I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began.
Proverbs 8:22–23 CSB
O – Commentary:
8:22 created The Hebrew word used here, qanah, has a wide range of meanings. It can describe buying (Gen 47:22; Exod 21:2; Prov 20:14), acquiring (Ruth 4:8; Isa 11:11; Psa 78:54; Prov 1:5; 4:5, 7), bringing forth or giving birth (Gen 4:1), and creating (Gen 14:19, 22; Deut 32:6; Psa 139:13). However qanah is understood here, it is clear that wisdom is being utilized at the beginning of the world.
the first of his ways If the Hebrew word qanah in the previous line is taken as “created,” this line refers to wisdom as God’s first act of creation, before all other things. But if the word qanah is understood as “brought forth,” this line portrays wisdom as an instrument of God during creation. Wisdom then would be the first primary instrument used in the act of creation and pre-existent before the world (compare Prov 8:23–24). This second interpretation aligns well with the nt depiction of Jesus as the agent of creation (Col 1:16; 1 Cor 8:6) who is referred to as “the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24, 30; compare Matt 23:29–36; Luke 11:45–52; Heb 1:1–3).
8:23 I was set up The Hebrew word used here could be related to the Hebrew verb nasakh or sakhakh. If it is related to nasakh, then the Hebrew text could indicate that wisdom was put in place or established, not created.
from the first Wisdom has existed for a very long time—this could even imply that wisdom has always existed.
from the beginning of the earth The interpretation of this phrase depends on how the first part of this verse and Prov 8:22 is understood. This line could be understood as referring to wisdom being created and put together before the creation of the earth—as the first act of creation (see note on v. 22).
A – A lot of commentary – personally, I really love Proverbs 8. The character of wisdom has intrigued me for a long time. I ask for godly wisdom daily. If it is that important that God would establish it into the fabric before his creation, it must be a critical part of his character. I want to walk in that character.
R – Heavenly Father, I thank you for the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I ask that it lead and guide me today. I ask for Your wisdom today. As I face all that comes my way, I desperately need it in my thoughts, words and actions. Help me to be a vessel of your wisdom for myself and those I come in relationship with today.
Just Add Water . Chris Bonham 