\\INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 8\\

This chapter contains the instructions of Wisdom or Christ; showing the
excellency of them, and the author of them, in opposition to the harlot
and her allurements, in the preceding chapter. Christ, under the name
of Wisdom, is represented as an herald, publishing the Gospel in the
ministry of the word, either in person or by his servants, \\#Pr 8:1\\.
The places where this proclamation is made are described, \\#Pr 8:2,3\\;
the persons to whom, \\#Pr 8:4,5\\. The excellency of the things delivered,
being right things; truth, agreeably to the word of God, plain and easy
to be understood, and of more worth than gold, silver, and precious
stones, \\#Pr 8:6-11\\. And then Wisdom, or Christ, is commended and
recommended by his consummate prudence and knowledge, by his hatred of
evil, and by his influence on the political affairs of kings and
princes, \\#Pr 8:12-16\\; and the advantages of those that are early
seekers of him are pointed out; their enjoyment of his favour, of his
riches, honour and righteousness; and their being led by him in right
paths now, and inheriting eternal glory hereafter, \\#Pr 8:17-21\\. And
next follows an account of his existence from eternity as a divine
Person, illustrated by a variety of phrases, \\#Pr 8:22-29\\; and of his
being with the Father; of his great affection for him, and complacency
in him; and of Christ's wonderful delight and pleasure in the sons of
men, \\#Pr 8:30,31\\. And the chapter is concluded with an exhortation to
them to hearken to his instructions; setting forth the happiness of
those that wait on him in public ordinances, and find him; and the
misery of those that hate and reject him.