Proverbs 9:11-18

11 For 1by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise 2for yourself, And if you 3scoff, you alone will bear it.
13 The woman of folly is 4boisterous, She is naive and 5knows nothing *.
14 She sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by 6the high places of the city,
15 Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight:
16 "7Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," And to him who lacks understanding she says,
17 "Stolen water is sweet; And 8bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the 9depths of Sheol.

Proverbs 9:11-18 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.

Cross References 9

  • 1. Proverbs 3:16; Proverbs 10:27
  • 2. Job 22:2; Proverbs 14:14
  • 3. Proverbs 19:29
  • 4. Proverbs 7:11
  • 5. Proverbs 5:6
  • 6. Proverbs 9:3
  • 7. Proverbs 9:4
  • 8. Proverbs 20:17
  • 9. Proverbs 7:27

Footnotes 5

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