For whoever finds me finds lifeThis phrase emphasizes the pursuit of wisdom, personified in
Proverbs 8 as a woman calling out to humanity. In the biblical context, wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, spiritual understanding that aligns with God's will. The "life" mentioned here is not just physical existence but a rich, fulfilling life that comes from living in accordance with divine principles. This echoes the teachings of Jesus in
John 10:10, where He speaks of bringing life abundantly. The pursuit of wisdom is akin to seeking a relationship with God, as true wisdom originates from Him. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, life was seen as a gift from God, and living wisely was a way to honor that gift.
and obtains the favor of the LORD
Obtaining the favor of the LORD implies a state of grace and blessing that comes from living in harmony with God's wisdom. In the Old Testament, God's favor is often associated with prosperity, protection, and success, as seen in the lives of figures like Joseph and David. This favor is not earned through human effort but is a result of aligning oneself with God's purposes. Theologically, this can be connected to the New Testament concept of grace, where believers receive unmerited favor through faith in Christ. The idea of divine favor also ties into the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience and faithfulness lead to blessings. This phrase encourages believers to seek wisdom as a means to experience God's favor in their lives.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Wisdom (Personified)In
Proverbs 8, wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to humanity, offering guidance and understanding. This personification emphasizes the value and necessity of wisdom in one's life.
2.
Solomon (Author)King Solomon, known for his wisdom, is traditionally credited with writing the book of Proverbs. His insights are drawn from his experiences and divine inspiration.
3.
The LORD (God)The verse highlights the relationship between finding wisdom and obtaining favor from the LORD, underscoring the divine approval that comes with living wisely.
Teaching Points
The Pursuit of WisdomActively seek wisdom in daily life through prayer, study, and reflection. Wisdom is not passive; it requires intentional pursuit.
Life and FavorUnderstand that true life and divine favor are intertwined with wisdom. Living wisely aligns us with God's will and brings His blessings.
Wisdom's Divine SourceRecognize that wisdom ultimately comes from God. Cultivate a relationship with Him to grow in understanding and insight.
Practical WisdomApply wisdom in practical decisions, relationships, and challenges. Wisdom should influence every aspect of life, leading to godly living.
Reflecting ChristAs wisdom is personified in Proverbs, see Christ as the ultimate embodiment of wisdom. Strive to reflect His character in your actions and decisions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 8:35?
2.How does Proverbs 8:35 define the relationship between wisdom and life?
3.What actions can you take to "find life" as stated in Proverbs 8:35?
4.How does Proverbs 8:35 connect with John 14:6 about finding life?
5.In what ways can seeking wisdom lead to "favor from the LORD"?
6.How can you daily seek wisdom to align with Proverbs 8:35?
7.How does Proverbs 8:35 define the relationship between wisdom and divine favor?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 8:35?
9.How does archaeology support the themes found in Proverbs 8:35?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 8?
11.What does 'Jesus became wisdom from God' mean?
12.Will you seek me and live?
13.What does "Jesus became wisdom from God" mean?
14.What does 'a merry heart does good like medicine' mean?What Does Proverbs 8:35 Mean
For whoever– Scripture speaks with a wide-open invitation.
• “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” (Proverbs 9:4)
• “Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
– No one is excluded by background, intelligence, or past failure. God’s wisdom calls to every ear, confirming that His Word is trustworthy and true for all.
finds me– InProverbs 8, Wisdom is portrayed as a person calling in the streets. The New Testament reveals Christ as “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).
• Seeking wisdom is, ultimately, seeking Jesus Himself.
• “If you seek her like silver… then you will understand the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5).
• “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).
– Finding Him is not a casual glance but a diligent pursuit that trusts the literal promises of Scripture.
finds life– Life here is more than breath; it is abundant, eternal, and satisfying.
• “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness” (John 10:10).
• “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).
• “She is a tree of life to those who embrace her” (Proverbs 3:18).
– The moment we embrace Wisdom—Christ—we cross from death to life (1 John 5:12). This is a present possession and a future hope, grounded in the literal truth of God’s Word.
and obtains– The verb signals reception, not achievement.
• “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
• “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).
– We lay hold of what God freely hands us. The certainty of Scripture assures us that His gifts are as real as His promises.
the favor of the LORD– Favor is God’s gracious smile, His active delight over His people.
• “For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime” (Psalm 30:5).
• Even Jesus “grew… in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
• Justified by faith, “we have peace with God… through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace” (Romans 5:1-2).
– Living under God’s favor means acceptance, blessing, and strength for obedient living.Proverbs 3:34 reminds us He “gives grace to the humble,” reinforcing that His favor rests on those who seek Him.
summaryProverbs 8:35 promises that anyone who earnestly seeks and finds Wisdom—ultimately Christ—receives real, abundant life and enjoys God’s enduring favor. The verse is a literal, unbreakable guarantee: pursue the Lord, and you will discover life as He defines it and stand under the warmth of His gracious approval.
(35)
Whoso findeth me findeth life.--Comp.
1John 5:12;
John 8:51; and above,
Proverbs 3:18, where Wisdom is described as a "tree of life."
Verse 35. -
For whoso findeth me findeth life. Here is the reason why the man is blessed who attends to the instruction of Wisdom. A similar promise is made at
Proverbs 3:16, 18, 22. The truth here enunciated is also spoken or the Word of God, the everlasting Son of the Father.
John 1:4, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men;"
John 3:36, "He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life;"
John 17:3, "This is life eternal, that they should know thee the only true God, and him whom thou didst send, even Jesus Christ" (comp.
John 8:51;
1 John 5:12; Ecclus. 4:12).
Shall obtain favour of the Lord; Vulgate,
hauriet salutem, which happily renders the Hebrew verb (
Proverbs 12:2). The grace of God bringeth salvation (
Titus 2:11). Septuagint, "For my outgoings (
ἔξοδοι) are the outgoings of life, and the will is prepared by the Lord (
καὶ ἐτοιμάζεται θέλησις παρὰΚυρίου)." This latter clause was used by the Fathers, especially in the Pelagian controversy, to prove the necessity of prevenient grace (see St. Augustine, 'Enchiridion,' 2:32; 'De Gratia,' 6:16, 17).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionwhoever findsמֹ֭צְאִי(mō·ṣə·’î)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentme findsמָצָ֣א(mā·ṣā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentlifeחַיִּ֑ים(ḥay·yîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifeand obtainsוַיָּ֥פֶק(way·yā·p̄eq)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6329:To issue, furnish, to secure, to succeedthe favorרָ֝צ֗וֹן(rā·ṣō·wn)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7522:Goodwill, favor, acceptance, willof the LORD;מֵיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Preposition-m | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 8:35 For whoever finds me finds life (Prov. Pro Pr) 
