CREATION
Using the Biblical worldview as a starting place let's discuss Proverbs 8:23 and following. Before the creation of the earth, wisdom was created.
Here are some perspectives on Proverbs 8:23-31 from a Biblical worldview:
This passage personifies wisdom as something that existed before the creation of the earth. Many theologians see this as a personification or foreshadowing of Christ, the embodiment of God's wisdom. Just as wisdom speaks here of being "brought forth" before the beginning of the world, Christ preexisted with God the Father before creation (John 1:1-3, 17:5).
The passage highlights the role wisdom played even before the world's formation. When God laid the foundations of the earth, wisdom was present as a "master workman" (v.30). This emphasizes that wisdom comes from God and how deeply it is embedded into the fabric of creation. All things were intricately crafted with order and purpose.
As God's firstborn, wisdom has priority and preeminence (v.22, 29b-31). This foreshadows Christ's preeminent position as "firstborn over all creation" through whom "all things were created" (Col. 1:15-17). As personified wisdom delights in being with humanity, Christ left heaven's glory to dwell among us (John 1:14) and promises his indwelling presence with believers through the Holy Spirit.
Overall, this passage provides an awe-inspiring view of wisdom's priority to creation and joyful partnership with God in creation. It points us toward Christ, the full embodiment of divine wisdom through whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Col. 2:3). As we walk with Christ, we have access to the same creative wisdom that framed the ages.
With wisdom, through and by Jesus, the world was formed from nothing, a formless mass. Unfathomable to our finite minds, but the perfection of the creation was established with wisdom. The earth and everything on it was given to man when he was ultimately created. Man, living in perfect harmony with creation was possible, if only. If only man did not use his free will to create the havoc yet to come.
You make an insightful point about the role of wisdom in creation and God's original design for harmony between humans and the earth. Scripture says the earth was "formless and void" before God fashioned it with order and purpose (Genesis 1:2). The Psalmist proclaimed how the heavens declare the glory of God through their beauty and design (Psalm 19:1).
Yet you note the tragic choice of Adam and Eve to rebel, unleashing havoc. Their disobedience fundamentally damaged humanity's relationship with God, each other, and the planet. Where once was bliss, now emerged struggle, hostility, pain, greed, and more. The perfection of Eden was shattered. Paul explores this tragedy in Romans 8 - all of creation now groans under the weight and futility of sin.
But in His mercy, God had a plan to make all things new again. Jesus came to redeem and restore the broken pieces. His sacrifice enables humanity's reconciliation with God and the promise of the Earth's future restoration (Revelation 21-22). One day, Eden's harmony will return without the threat of sin's havoc. Through Christ, God's wisdom triumphs despite humanity's failings. As we walk with Jesus day by day, He enables us even now to partner with Him in mending some of the damage until He returns to make all things new forevermore.
The sacrifice of Jesus, His only begotten son, was not plan B. It was foreknown even upon creation, that this would be needed.
You make an excellent theological point. God's plan for redemption through Christ was not an afterthought or "Plan B" after humanity's fall. Scripture reveals that Christ's atoning sacrifice was part of God's blueprint for creation and humanity even before Genesis 1:1.
Several passages highlight this eternal plan stemming from God's foreknowledge and wisdom:
1 Peter 1:20 - Christ was "foreknown before the foundation of the world"
Revelation 13:8 - Christ is "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
Ephesians 1:4 - The redeemed were "chosen in him [Christ] before the foundation of the world."
God, in His infinite wisdom, knew the human need even before creating us. While He gave a choice, He foresaw the choice of the Fall. Hence through Christ, God prepared redemption's plan from eternity past - a reflection of radical grace. So Jesus was "the Lamb who was slain" (Rev 5:12) in God's heart, even as He crafted Eden's Untouched beauty. The Cross was central to creation; redemption through Christ was no backup. Herein we gain glimpses of the breathtaking wisdom of our God who transcends time and space to meet all human needs.
But the earth, at creation was perfect, and man was the caretaker of the creation. He was given instructions to tend the garden and to name, which was quite an honor, the animals and tend them.
Yes, you underscore key biblical truths about the perfection of creation at the beginning and humanity's role within it. Genesis 1 repeatedly highlights God declaring his creative work as "good" - indicating its pristine flawlessness. Genesis 2 highlights humanity's honored position to "work and keep" the garden paradise of Eden (v.15). The implication is that Adam and Eve had the joyful responsibility to steward creation's goodness as caring stewards. God also gave Adam the privilege of naming each species of animal (v.19-20) - delegating oversight of the animal kingdom to reflect his own creative authority.
So originally, the relationship between humans and the created order was one of harmony, blessing, and collaboration. Humans were appointed as co-regents under God's loving lordship. Tragically this was shattered by the Fall in Genesis 3. But Scripture promises that one day, through Christ, Eden's perfection will be restored. Redeemed humanity will rule a transfigured Earth where harmony reigns supreme. As the prophet Isaiah anticipated, the wolf and lamb will feed together in peace (Isaiah 11). All because the wisdom embodied in Christ will recreate paradise lost through his sacrifice and triumph over evil.
Only, upon man's disobedience, was the tending of the earth turned into a chore, a hard task.
Correct. Genesis 3 details the tragic consequences of human disobedience. Where once Adam and Eve delighted in caring for Eden, the ground was now cursed because of sin, requiring arduous toil (Gen 3:17-19). The harmony between humans and the earth was broken. Where once was joyful productivity, now existed frustration, pain, and futility. Humanity's original purpose was tragically marred. Relationships, work, stewardship of creation - all became difficult under the curse's weight.
Yet even here we see God's wisdom and redemptive purpose at work. It's also after the Fall that we first glimpse the Gospel promise (Gen 3:15). Through woman's offspring would come victory over evil. This pointed toward Christ's crushing sin and death's curse through his atoning sacrifice.
So while humanity's stewardship was corrupted, God did not abandon His good plan for humans to partner in Earth's flourishing. Through faith in Christ, we can begin restoring wise dominion here and now. His transforming grace and empowering Spirit equip redeemed humanity to cultivate flourishing in a fractured world. And we anticipate the ultimate restoration still to come with Christ’s return and Paradise’s renewal. The curse will be fully undone; the chore will give way to delight once more.