thinking bible.

You asked

how does this passage relate to old testament descriptions of wisdom in creation?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Proverbs 8:22-31

Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth; while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dusts of the world. When he established the heavens, I was there. When he marked out a circle on the surface of the deep, when he made firm the skies above, when the springs of the deep became strong, when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not transgress his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth; then I was beside him, like a skilled master workman. I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him, rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

This passage is from the book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom sayings and teachings. Here, Wisdom is personified as a female figure, speaking about her origin and her role in creation, presenting herself as an ancient, divine companion to God.

In what ways might we recognize the enduring presence and invitation of wisdom in the world around us today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Genesis 1:1-2

    Describes God's initial acts of creation, setting the stage for Wisdom's involvement.

  • John 1:1-3

    Speaks of 'the Word' (Logos) being with God in the beginning and being involved in creation.

  • Colossians 1:15-17

    Identifies Christ as the firstborn of all creation, through whom all things were created.

Ask your own follow-up