Proverbs 8:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Solomon refers to the monarchs as apostles, as well as other holy figures who possess the ability to govern judiciously, particularly in regard to themselves and the congregation they lead. He designates the writers of the two Testaments and subsequent ecclesiastical authors as lords, while other mentors and teachers of the faithful are seen as rulers and nobles. Nevertheless, none of these individuals can achieve anything without wisdom, for it is stated, "For without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

What can we say about the significance of a title? If it is earned through remarkable actions and endeavors that benefit humanity, it becomes evident from earlier reflections that such significance is also established by God, the supporter and guardian of noble and helpful acts. If it is a matter of inheritance, who else but God “blesseth the race of the upright, that glory and riches...may be to his house, and his righteousness...to his house, and his righteousness,” with the enduring virtue that “endureth unto the age of ages” (Psalms 111:2-3).

The wise person recognizes the call of wisdom itself. She raises her voice to all humanity from elevated and bustling locations, and acknowledging that her hands are filled with truth and significance, she reveals her divine nature and actions as the eternal Wisdom. She grants her followers strength, wealth, and prosperity. She shares in creation with God the Father, playing a vital role alongside Him in shaping the world. Now, she invites everyone to heed her teachings, assuring them of wisdom and happiness. The Lord made me the beginning of his ways, the first of his works. The Hebrew text employs the term ‘kanani’ which means ‘acquired,’ thus it is more accurately interpreted, as noted by the early Church Fathers, as ‘possessed’ rather than ‘created’ as the Greek text suggests. This understanding is echoed in the translation of Aquila and found in the Vulgate in Psalm 138:13.

Nobles act as advisors and aids to sovereigns. Their elevation should not be attributed solely to their intellect, but rather to the Divine Wisdom that guides them in their service to the monarch. - By me the rulers hold the earth. There are occasions when territories are governed by tyrants who have appropriated authority through force and exercise it with tyranny. However, when the populace perceives in these rulers the wisdom and capability to promote their welfare, they often accept their tyranny with relative ease. Divine Wisdom does not overlook such instruments of its purpose for humanity; it is by God’s design that they possess dominion over the earth.