The Proverbs of Solomon (Proverbs 8:22-31)

King Solomon was famous both for his great wisdom as well as for writing many proverbs and songs (1 Kings 4:29-34). The book of Proverbs is a collection of such practical wisdom. Many were written by Solomon, while others are credited to other intellectual figures from the ancient world (Proverbs 10:1; 22:17; 24:23; 25:1; 30:1; 31:1).

Most of the proverbs are short pieces of advice on living a good life, covering subjects as varied as hard work, giving to charity, friendship and raising children. Given that they were written and edited by politicians, the proverbs also focus on aspects of good government.

The Book of Proverbs is one of seven books in the Old Testament that together, are known as the ‘Wisdom Literature’. This is because they often talk about the importance of wisdom, as a gift from God. They contain many life lessons, as well as philosophical reflections on the origins of wisdom. The others are the books of Job, Ecclesiastes, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus), the Wisdom of Solomon, the Song of Songs and the Psalms.

In Proverbs chapter 8, there is a poem of praise about wisdom. In this poem, wisdom is described as a person who existed with God even before the world was made. This passage was the subject of a lot of debate in the Early Church, as it was considered a cryptic reference to the pre-existence of the Son of God.

Sometimes in the Bible, texts are said to have several meanings, or even hidden meanings (e.g. Daniel 7:15-17,23; Sirach 39:3; Revelation 17:9-10). Since Proverbs describes wisdom in female terms, in later Christian thought this text was also considered to have a hidden meaning. Not only did it refer to Christ, but also prophetically to his incarnation from the Virgin Mary.

We see this interpretation here, in this Gothic Revival window from the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, in Norwich. The stained glass image, which belongs within the East Window of the sanctuary, dates to the early 1900s. It was designed by Dunstan Powell of Hardman & Co. The scene pictures King Solomon seated on his throne, with the Virgin and Child on the right. 

Christ and his mother are surrounded by the words of Proverbs 8:22 in Latin: Dominus possedit me in initio viarum suarum antequam quidquam faceret a principio. This means: ‘The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before he did anything from the beginning.’

King Solomon is seen stroking his beard, almost as if he was trying to work out the meaning of this obscure saying. Above his head is another biblical quotation in Latin, this time from Psalm 45:14, Omnis gloria ejus filiæ regis ab intus. This means ‘All the glory of the king’s daughter is from within.’

This particular psalm is thought to be a love song, from Solomon’s wedding day. Since the New Testament also applies it to Christ (Hebrews 1:8-9), in a similar way the queen in the song was later identified with the Virgin Mary. It seems that Solomon is pictured here, mentally piecing these two texts together.

See the full image:

Where to find this work of art
Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Norwich

Read the relevant passage
Proverbs 8:22-31

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: Solomon prayed to God for the wisdom to be a successful king.
• From the New Testament: While Solomon uttered proverbs, Christ told parables, such as The Parable of the Prodigal Son.