Proverbs 8:23 (Mini Sermon)

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1.      Pro 8:23 – “I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.”

1. I was set up from everlasting,
   1. “I” in this verse is wisdom personified (Pro 8:1, 12).
   2. Wisdom n. – The quality or character of being wise, or something in which this is exhibited. a. Capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgement in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, esp. in practical affairs: opp. to folly.

• Wise adj. – 1. a. Having or exercising sound judgement or discernment; capable of judging truly concerning what is right or fitting, and disposed to act accordingly; having the ability to perceive and adopt the best means for accomplishing an end; characterized by good sense and prudence. Opp. to foolish.

1. Wisdom was set up from everlasting.
   • Set v. – 154. set up. (a) To place in a high or lofty position; to raise to an elevated situation.  j. (a) To place in an exalted, eminent, or superior position; to raise to power or authority; sometimes spec. to put on the throne. l.  (a) To speak highly of, extol, praise (obs.); to put forward as a model, ‘put on a pedestal’.
   • From eternity past, God placed wisdom in a high, lofty, exalted, and eminent position in His mind.
   • Wisdom has always been the principal thing in God’s estimation (Pro 4:7), even from everlasting.
   • Principal adj. – 1. First or highest in rank or importance; that is at the head of all the rest; of the greatest account or value; foremost: = chief 3.
   • We are to exalt wisdom (Pro 4:8) because God exalts it.
     • Exalt v. – 1. trans. To raise or set up on high; to lift up, elevate. In various fig. or non-material senses:  a. To raise in rank, honour, estimation, power, or wealth.  d. To praise, extol, magnify.
     • God spoke highly of wisdom, praised her, and raised her to a prominent rank in His estimation from everlasting.
   • from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
     • From the beginning of time and even before the earth was created, God placed wisdom on a pedestal.
     • Since God exalted wisdom from everlasting, it then follows that Jesus Christ who is the embodiment of God’s wisdom (Col 2:3, 9; 1Co 1:24) would in due time after His resurrection be given the preeminence over all things (Col 1:18).
     • Preeminence n. – 1. Higher rank or distinction; priority of place, precedence; superiority.