Proverbs 8:23 (Mini Sermon)

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23. Pro 8:23 - "I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was." A. I was set up from everlasting, i. "I" in this verse is wisdom personified (Pro 8:1, 12). ii. Wisdom n. - The quality or character of being wise, or something in which this is exhibited. 1. a. Capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgement in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, esp. in practical affairs: opp. to folly. iii. Wise adj. - 1. a. Having or exercising sound judgement or discernment; capable of judging truly concerning what is right or fitting, and disposed to act accordingly; having the ability to perceive and adopt the best means for accomplishing an end; characterized by good sense and prudence. Opp. to foolish. iv. Wisdom was set up from everlasting. a. Set v. - 154. set up. a. (a) To place in a high or lofty position; to raise to an elevated situation. j. (a) To place in an exalted, eminent, or superior position; to raise to power or authority; sometimes spec. to put on the throne. l. (a) To speak highly of, extol, praise (obs.); to put forward as a model, ‘put on a pedestal’. b. From eternity past, God placed wisdom in a high, lofty, exalted, and eminent position in His mind. c. Wisdom has always been the principal thing in God's estimation (Pro 4:7), even from everlasting. d. Principal adj. - 1. First or highest in rank or importance; that is at the head of all the rest; of the greatest account or value; foremost: = chief a. 3. e. We are to exalt wisdom (Pro 4:8) because God exalts it. (i) Exalt v. - 1. trans. To raise or set up on high; to lift up, elevate. 2. In various fig. or non-material senses: a. To raise in rank, honour, estimation, power, or wealth. d. To praise, extol, magnify. (ii) God spoke highly of wisdom, praised her, and raised her to a prominent rank in His estimation from everlasting. B. from the beginning, or ever the earth was. i. From the beginning of time and even before the earth was created, God placed wisdom on a pedestal. ii. Since God exalted wisdom from everlasting, it then follows that Jesus Christ who is the embodiment of God's wisdom (Col 2:3, 9; 1Co 1:24) would in due time after His resurrection be given the preeminence over all things (Col 1:18). iii. Preeminence n. - 1. Higher rank or distinction; priority of place, precedence; superiority.