Proverbs 9:1-12

1 Wisdom hath builded her house, She hath hewn out her pillars -- seven.

2 She hath slaughtered her slaughter, She hath mingled her wine, Yea, she hath arranged her table.

3 She hath sent forth her damsels, She crieth on the tops of the high places of the city:

4 `Who [is] simple? let him turn aside hither.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath said to him,

5 `Come, eat of my bread, And drink of the wine I have mingled.

6 Forsake ye, the simple, and live, And be happy in the way of understanding.

7 The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish.

8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee.

9 Give to the wise, and he is wiser still, Make known to the righteous, And he increaseth learning.

10 The commencement of wisdom [is] the fear of Jehovah, And a knowledge of the Holy Ones [is] understanding.

11 For by me do thy days multiply, And added to thee are years of life.

12 If thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned -- thyself bearest [it].

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.