Proverbs 8:17
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
American King James Version (AKJV)
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
American Standard Version (ASV)
I love them that love me; And those that seek me diligently shall find me.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
Those who have given me their love are loved by me, and those who make search for me with care will get me.
Webster's Revision
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
World English Bible
I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.
English Revised Version (ERV)
I love them that love me; and those that seek me diligently shall find me.
Clarke's Proverbs 8:17 Bible Commentary
I love them that love me - Wisdom shows itself; teaches man the knowledge of himself; shows him also the will of God concerning him; manifests the snares and dangers of life, the allurements and unsatisfactory nature of all sensual and sinful pleasures, the blessedness of true religion, and the solid happiness which an upright soul derives from the peace and approbation of its Maker. If, then, the heart embraces this wisdom, follows this Divine teaching, and gives itself to God, his love will be shed abroad in it by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Thus we love God because he hath first loved us and the more we love him, the more we shall feel of his love, which will enable us to love him yet more and more; and thus we may go on increasing to eternity. Blessed be God!
And those that seek me early shall find me - Not merely betimes in the morning, though he who does so shall find it greatly to his advantage; (see on Psalm 4:1-8 (note)); but early in life - in youth, and as near as possible to the first dawn of reason. To the young this gracious promise is particularly made: if they seek, they shall find. Others, who are old, may seek and find; but never to such advantage as they would have done, had they sought early. Youth is the time of advantage in every respect: it is the time of learning, the time of discipline; the time of improvement, the time of acquiring useful, solid, and gracious habits. As the first-fruits always belong to God, it is God's time; the time in which he is peculiarly gracious; and in which, to sincere youthful seekers, he pours out his benefits with great profusion. "They that seek me early shall find me."
Hear, ye young, and ye little ones! God offers himself now to you, with all his treasures of grace and glory. Thank him for his ineffable mercy, and embrace it without delay.
Wesley's Proverbs 8:17 Bible Commentary
8:17 I love - I do not despise their love, but kindly accept it and recompence it with my love and favour. Early - With sincere affection and diligence, which he mentions as the evidence of their love.