Proverbs 9:10-12

10 ¹The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and ²the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

11 For by me ³your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.

12 ⁴If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

Proverbs 9:10-12 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. 9:10 See ch. 1:7
• 2. 9:10 ch. 30:3
• 3. 9:11 [ch. 10:27]; See ch. 3:2
• 4. 9:12 [Job 22:2, 3; 1 Cor. 3:8; Gal. 6:5]