Proverbs 9:1-9

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.

Proverbs 9:1-9 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.

Footnotes

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