Proverbs 9:1-12

Woman Wisdom’s invitation

1 Wisdom built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.

2 She slaughtered her animals, mixed her wine, and set her table.

3 She sends out her female servants; she issues an invitation from the top of the city heights:

4 "Whoever is naive turn aside here," she says to those who lack sense.

5 "Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed.

6 Abandon your simplistic ways and live; walk in the way of understanding."

Wise advice

7 Whoever instructs the cynic gets insulted; whoever corrects the wicked gets hurt.

8 Don't correct the impudent, or they will hate you; correct the wise, and they will love you.

9 Teach the wise, and they will become wiser; inform the righteous, and their learning will increase.

10 The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the LORD; the knowledge of the holy one is understanding.

11 Through me your days will be many; years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, it is to your benefit; if you are cynical, you will bear it all alone.

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.