Proverbs 8:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Every creature does not originate from eternity but emerges from the timelessness of the ages. This is because the ages have their genesis from the Creator, who Himself was present before time began, indicating that His existence predates the ages. It is written that the only begotten Son was the agent through whom all ages were formed (Hebrews 1:2). As it is expressed through the voice of Wisdom: I was established before the ages, thus in Her all things were brought into being through Him, of whom it is declared: By wisdom hast thou created all things (Psalm 103:24).

Those who err in their interpretations of scripture, particularly when considering the subsequent verse, mistakenly believe that the phrase “...before the ages He founded me” (Proverbs 8:23; LXX) refers to the divinity of the Word rather than His incarnation. It is crucial, then, to analyze this verse carefully to illuminate the fallacy in their reasoning. As stated in Proverbs 3:19, “The Lord through wisdom hath founded the earth.” If Wisdom establishes the earth, how can it also be said that He who lays the foundation is responsible for its creation? This notion can be seen as misleading.

All things were made through Him, and He exists above all creation (Col. 1:16-17). The Lord declares, ‘I am the beginning of God's creation’ (cf. Jn. 8:25). In His desire to serve as the foundation for the Church, He assumed humanity, ensuring its solid establishment in Himself. Thus, in His intention to bring existence to creation, He became one with it, sharing in its condition, as previously mentioned, becoming the origin and source of what is to come.

The wise individual recognizes the call of wisdom, who proclaims her message from elevated and bustling locations. Aware of her hands being filled with truth and significance, she manifests her divine attributes and works as the incarnate Wisdom. She bestows upon her followers strength, wealth, and success; she collaborates with God the Creator, actively participating in the creation of the world. Now, she extends an invitation for all to heed her teachings, assuring that they will gain wisdom and joy. The Lord appointed me as the foundation of His paths, in all His deeds.

It is unmistakable that the matter at hand pertains to Divine wisdom rather than human understanding. Human wisdom came into being with humanity, created on the sixth day. In contrast, the Divine Wisdom we are discussing has a pre-temporal reality, existing prior to the formation of humanity and even the earth itself. Before the very foundations of the world were established, the Lord, from eternity and in the beginning, initiated my existence, granting me a solid, unyielding, autonomous life, or a self-sustaining being.