Proverbs 9:1-12

The Way of Wisdom

1 Wisdom has built her house; ¹ she has carved out ^[a] her seven pillars.

2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

3 She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city.

4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” she says to him who lacks judgment.

5 “Come, eat my bread and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Leave your folly behind, and you will live; walk in the way of understanding.”

7 He who corrects a mocker brings shame on himself; he who rebukes a wicked man taints himself.

8 Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For through wisdom ^[b] your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, you are wise to your own advantage; but if you scoff, you alone will bear the consequences.

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.

Cross References

• 1. (Proverbs 1:1–7)

Footnotes

• [a]. Hebrew; LXX, Syriac, and Aramaic Targum has set up
• [b]. LXX, Syriac, and Aramaic Targum; Hebrew through me