Proverbs 9:1-11

1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.

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

3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:

4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,

5 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!

6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."

7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.

8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

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

11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.

Proverbs 9:1-11 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.