Proverbs 9:1-12

Wisdom’s Banquet

1 Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars.

2 She has slaughtered her slaughtering, mixed her wine, [and] also set her table.

3 She has sent her servant girls, she calls upon the wings of the high places of town,

4 "Whoever [is] simple, let him turn here." As for the one who lacks {sense}, she says to him,

5 "Come, eat with my bread; drink with the wine I have mixed.

6 Lay aside simplicity and live; walk in the way of understanding."

7 He who corrects a scoffer gains abuse for himself, and he who rebukes the wicked {gets hurt}.

8 Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke the wise and he will love you.

9 Give to a wise one and he will become more wise; {teach} a righteous one and he will increase learning.

Foolishness’ Banquet

10 The start of wisdom is fear of Yahweh, and knowledge of the Holy One, insight.

11 For by me your days shall increase, and years of life shall multiply for you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and [if] you scoff, alone you shall bear [it].

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Proverbs 9:1-12 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 9

In this chapter, Wisdom, or Christ, is represented as having built a stately house or palace for the entertainment of his guests, Pr 9:1; as having made large and suitable provisions for them, Pr 9:2; and as having sent his servants to invite them to come and partake of them, and quit all other company but his, Pr 9:3-6; When it is observed who are and who are not to be reproved, with the reasons of it, Pr 9:7-9; and what is the sum and substance of true wisdom; and what the advantages of it both here and hereafter, Pr 9:10-12; And the chapter is concluded with the description of the foolish woman, the opposite of Wisdom; who is represented as clamorous, simple, and ignorant, Pr 9:13; and plying passengers that go by her door, and inviting them in to partake of her provisions, Pr 9:14-17; the consequence of which is sure and certain death and destruction to her guests, Pr 9:18.

Taken from John Gill's Exposition of the Bible

Footnotes 5

[a]. Or "young maidens"
[b]. Literally "heart"
[c]. Literally "abuse him"
[d]. Literally "make known to"
[e]. Or "holy ones"