Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting.

“Wisdom was created before all things—not certainly that Wisdom that is clearly coeternal and equal to you, our God, his Father, and by whom all things were created and in whom, as the Beginning, you created heaven and earth. Rather, truly, it was that wisdom that has been created, namely, the intellectual nature that, in the contemplation of light, is light. For this is called wisdom, although it is created. But as great as the difference is between the Light that enlightens and that which is enlightened, so great is the difference between the Wisdom that creates and that which has been created. It is just as great as the difference between the Righteousness that justifies and the righteousness that has been made by justification.”

“Wisdom has existed before all things, since it is an essential attribute of the Deity. The creation is the power of God guided by His wisdom, which must consequently be conceived before all creatures. It cannot be strictly said to be created. The external manifestation of it iathe creation of all things, may be meant by this phrase.”