The eighth chapter of Proverbs contains a beautiful description of Wisdom. In this passage, Wisdom is described as having been with God before the creation of the earth.
Proverbs 8:22-31. 8:22 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. 8:25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: 8:26 While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. 8:27 When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: 8:28 When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: 8:29 When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; 8:31 Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
Some have argued that these verses are talking about Jesus Christ, and document his existence before his birth in Bethlehem with his Father in heaven. Some claim that Jesus helped his Father in the work of creation; others claim that he did the actual work of creation himself, with the Father in the role of Designer and Planner.
But is that what these verses are talking about? To get a clearer picture of the actual subject of this passage, we need to step back and look at the context in which it is set.
If we start reading at the beginning of the chapter, we notice right away something that should lead us to question whether the verses we read refer to Christ.
Proverbs 8:1-4. 8:1 Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? 8:2 She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. 8:3 She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 8:4 Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man.
Proverbs is described at the beginning of this chapter as a woman. Nor is this section detached from the other. The context continues unbroken, with the woman Wisdom being spoken about or speaking, right through the end of this chapter. Then, at the beginning of chapter 9, Wisdom is again identified as a woman.
Proverbs 9:1-3. 9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: 9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
In fact, throughout the book of Proverbs, Wisdom, when it is given a gender at all, is always female. Every time Wisdom speaks and acts in Proverbs, it is as a woman. We have no right, then, to ignore every other passage in Proverbs dealing with Wisdom and argue that in this one instance, Christ is talking.
There is another problem with that interpretation of this passage. Wisdom is consistently described as being with God when He created the earth, but as having no part in the creation. For those who would argue that Christ had a role in the creation, this passage does not build their case; it tears it down.
So, should we join the more radical feminists in worshipping "Sophia" (Wisdom), or "Christia" (the female in Christ)? I think not. Wisdom is clearly identified throughout the rest of scripture as an attribute of God. In Proverbs it is personified as a woman. When read in this light, all the references to Wisdom in Proverbs make sense, and fit with no problem with the references to wisdom in the rest of scripture.