Sometimes people get into trouble as they interpret the Bible simply because they really don’t know how to interpret it correctly.
One of the big mistakes people make is when they bring two passages together that have no connection to each other except perhaps a few words that on the surface seem to have some connection.
Proverbs 8 and 1 Corinthians 1:24 are an example of this.
Some people, among them the Jehovah’s Witnesses, see Jesus in Proverbs 8. Why?
Because “Wisdom” is talking, and in verses 22–31, it talks about how “Wisdom” was with God from the beginning of creation. How “Wisdom” was the craftsman at God’s side when he made all things.
They then say two things.
First, in 1 Corinthians 1:24, they point out that Jesus is called “the wisdom of God.”
They then say, “See, Jesus is speaking here in Proverbs 8, and he says he was given birth before the earth was created and that he was the first of all of God’s work. So he can’t be God himself; he was a created being.”
Of course, the whole argument falls apart when you take a closer look at Proverbs 8. In fact, you can see it right in the first verse.
Does not wisdom call out?
Does not understanding raise her voice? (Proverbs 8:1)
I think the problem is quite evident. Wisdom, throughout this chapter and throughout the book of Proverbs for that matter, is personified as a woman.
Since when was the Son of God ever a woman?
But by taking two passages that have no relationship whatsoever, and putting them together with Colossians 1, which talks about how Christ was there with the Father when he created all things, the Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to prove that Jesus was a created being, not God himself.
As one person pointed out, you can prove anything by using that method.
[Judas] went out and hung himself. (Matthew 27:5)
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)
As we read the Bible, we need to really pay attention to context as we read, or we can get into real trouble, as do the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
What is Solomon doing in Proverbs 8? He is personifying an abstract concept. He’s using a literary tool.
And he’s saying, “Wisdom is calling out for you. While the adulterous woman is calling out to seduce you and lead you to your own destruction, Wisdom is calling out to you in order that you might have life.
“She was there when God created the world. God in his wisdom created the world, and he has made her known to all his creation that they might know how to live.
“She gives wisdom, counsel, and insight to kings, and by her power kings reign.
“Now, she’s calling out to you who are simple that you might gain prudence as you walk through this life. That you can know what is right and find the blessing that comes from her.
“And when you find her, you find something that’s better than all the riches in the world.”
As Solomon puts it,
Nothing you desire can compare with her. (11)
I have to admit, there’s an old song I like called “More Precious Than Silver” that is based on this passage as well as on Proverbs 3:15.
I don’t know for certain the lyricist’s true intent behind these words. However, it does seem to be based on this faulty interpretation of these two passages, that Jesus is this “Wisdom” personified in Proverbs.
That the Lord is indeed more precious than silver and more costly than gold, and that nothing we desire can compare with him, I have no doubt.
But Wisdom in these two passages is personified as “she,” not “he.”
Let us seek the Lord. Let us seek his wisdom. But let us also be sure to interpret his Word correctly so that we can truly discern what he is saying to us.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 