No peeking! In Proverbs 8 someone is speaking, who sounds very much like the person described in the study Kurt is leading from John on Wednesday night. In John - the word has a name. The question I have for you - who is speaking here?

By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 1 love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That 1 may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures.

This rings a lot like many New Testament passages we know. There is one that has all authority, given to him by God. Seek and ye shall find. Lay up in store treasures in heaven. Make his paths straight! But this is Old Testament stuff! Surely all that New Testament stuff is, well, new! Again, who is speaking here?

The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.

Whoa! Someone who was there with God *before* the beginning? Before God created land, and the air, and the seas, and the earth itself? Someone who was with God, similar to a sibling? Someone doing his will and causing God to rejoice? Hanging around with angels? Who is speaking here?

Now therefore hearken unto me, 0 ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul; all they that hate me love death.

Someone once told me only God and the Spirit speak in the Old Testament. I am not so sure about that. I wonder if wisdom had a name if it might be Jesus. Just something to think about today (and if you're interested in a great "word" study, come Wednesday and see what Kurt has for us!)

Randy