Proverbs 8:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.

I wisdom dwell with prudence - I am most intimately associated with her. Compare the phrase "dwell with," in Isaiah 57:15; 1 Timothy 6:16. "Prudence" or 'subtilty' in the good sense (Hebrew, `aarmaah (H6195)). It is translated "wisdom" in Proverbs 8:5; - i:e., practical wisdom: not to enable one to deceive (as the bad sense of the word expresses), but to keep one from being deceived (cf. Matthew 10:16). It directs one where to advance, where to stop, where to yield, where to oppose, when to be silent, when to speak, what to follow, what to shun, and how to be on our guard against the subtilties of Satan, the world, and the flesh. The world thinks the godly to be fools and unpractical. But true wisdom dwells with prudence. Wherever truly prudent counsels are adopted, they are from her: Christ, the fountain of wisdom (Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:3), can supply the wise with not only the theoretical knowledge, but also the practical sagacity needed for the conduct of life.

And find out knowledge of witty inventions - i:e., I enable my disciples to 'find out sagacious plans;' literally, knowledge of consideratenesses, so as to order their affairs and their course of life with cautious prudence in consonance with the Word of God.

Proverbs 8:12

12 I wisdom dwell with prudence,c and find out knowledge of witty inventions.