I love those who love me
This phrase emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the relationship between wisdom and those who pursue it. In the biblical context, love is often associated with loyalty and commitment. The idea of loving wisdom is akin to loving God, as wisdom is personified and closely linked to divine attributes. This reflects the covenant relationship seen throughout the Old Testament, where God promises to be faithful to those who are faithful to Him (Deuteronomy 7:9). The concept of love here is not merely emotional but involves a commitment to follow and adhere to the teachings and principles of wisdom.

and those who seek me early shall find me
The phrase "seek me early" suggests diligence and priority in the pursuit of wisdom. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, seeking something early in the day was a sign of earnestness and dedication. This aligns with the biblical principle of seeking God with all one's heart (Jeremiah 29:13). The promise that they "shall find me" assures that wisdom is accessible to those who earnestly pursue it. This is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in the New Testament, where He encourages seeking the Kingdom of God first (Matthew 6:33). The pursuit of wisdom is portrayed as a proactive and intentional endeavor, promising reward and fulfillment to those who prioritize it.

1. Wisdom
In Proverbs 8, Wisdom is personified and speaks as if it were a person. This personification is a literary device used to convey the value and importance of wisdom in a relatable way.

2. Solomon
The author of Proverbs, King Solomon, is known for his wisdom. He is believed to have compiled these sayings to instruct others in the ways of wisdom.

3. Israel
The original audience of Proverbs, the people of Israel, were encouraged to seek wisdom as a means of living a life pleasing to God.The Love of Wisdom
Wisdom loves those who love her. This reciprocal relationship emphasizes the importance of valuing and prioritizing wisdom in our lives.

The Importance of Seeking Early
The phrase "seek me early" suggests diligence and priority. Seeking wisdom should be a primary pursuit, not an afterthought.

The Promise of Finding
There is a promise that those who earnestly seek wisdom will indeed find it. This encourages believers to pursue wisdom with confidence and expectation.

Wisdom as a Reflection of God's Character
Since wisdom is a reflection of God's character, seeking wisdom is akin to seeking God Himself. This pursuit leads to a deeper relationship with God.

Practical Steps to Seek Wisdom
Engage in regular Bible study, prayer, and fellowship with other believers to cultivate wisdom in daily life.(17) I love them that love me.--Comp. John 14:21 : he that loveth me. . . . I will love him.

Verse 17. - I love them that love me. So Christ says (John 14:21), "He that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him" Love attracts love. "Magues amoris est amor." They who love virtue and wisdom are regarded with favour by God. whoso inspiration they have obeyed, obtaining grace for grace. So Ben Sira says, "Them that love her the Lord doth love "(Ecclus. 4:14); so Wisd. 7:28, "God loveth none but him that dwelleth with Wisdom." The Septuagint changes the verbs in this clause, though they are parts of the same word in the Hebrew: Ἐγὼ τοὺς ἐμὲ φιλοῦντας ἀγαπῶ. This reminds one of the passage in the last chapter of St. John (John 21:15-17). where a similar interchange is made. Those that seek me early shall find me (see the contrast in Proverbs 1:28). "Early" may mean from tender years; but more probably it is equivalent to "earnestly," "strenuously," as people deeply interested in any pursuit rise betimes to set about the necessary work (comp. Isaiah 26:9; Hosea 5:15). The Septuagint, "They who seek (ζητοῦντες) me shall find." So the Lord says (Matthew 7:7), "Seek (ζητεῖτε), and ye shall find;" Ecclus. 4:12, "He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her early (οἱ ὀρθρίζοντες πρὸς αὐτὴν) shall be filled with joy" (comp. Luke 21:38).

Parallel Commentaries ...


I
אֲ֭נִי (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

love
אֹהֲבַ֣י (’ō·hă·ḇay)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

those who love me,
אֵהָ֑ב (’ê·hāḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

and those who seek me early
וּ֝מְשַׁחֲרַ֗י (ū·mə·ša·ḥă·ray)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7836: To dawn, be, early at any task, to search for

shall find me.
יִמְצָאֻֽנְנִי׃ (yim·ṣā·’un·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular, Paragogic nun
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me (Prov. Pro Pr)