Proverbs 8:17

I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

Ver. 17. I love them that love me.] The philosopher could say, that if moral virtue could be seen with mortal eyes, she would stir up wonderful loves of herself in the hearts of the beholders. How much more, then, would the "wisdom of God in a mystery!," 1Co 2:7 that essential wisdom of God especially, the Lord Jesus, who is totus desiderabilis, "altogether lovely," Son 5:16 "the desire of all nations," Hag 2:7 whom whosoever loveth not deserves to be doubly accursed. 1Co 15:22 My love was crucified, a said Ignatius, who "loved not his life unto the death." Rev 12:11 Neither was there any love lost, or can be, for "I love them that love me." "And if any man love me, my Father will love him, and I will love him, and will manifest myself unto him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:21 ; Joh 14:23 Men do not always reciprocate, nor return love for love. "For my love they are mine adversaries; yea, they have rewarded me hatred for my love." Psa 109:4-5 David lost his love upon Absalom; Paul upon the Corinthians; old Andronicus, the Greek emperor, upon his graceless nephew of the same name. But here is no such danger. It shall not be easy for any man to outlove wisdom. For,

(Objection.) Whereas some one might reply, You are so taken up with states, and have such great suitors, kings, princes, nobles, judges, as Pro 8:15-16 that it is not for mean men to look for any love from you; -

(Solution.) Not so, saith wisdom, for "I love them that love me," be they never so much below me. "Grace be with all them that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity." Eph 6:23 Tantum velis, et Deus tibi praeoccurret, saith Nazianzen. Ambulas, si amas: non enim passibus ad Deum, sed affectibus curritur, saith Augustine. Thou walkest if thou lovest; thou actest if thou affectest.

They that seek me early.] As students sit close to it in the morning. Aurora rnusis amica.

a O ερως μου εσταυρωται .