Proverbs 9:1-11

1 Wisdom hath builded her house, She hath hewn out her pillars -- seven.

2 She hath slaughtered her slaughter, She hath mingled her wine, Yea, she hath arranged her table.

3 She hath sent forth her damsels, She crieth on the tops of the high places of the city:

4 `Who [is] simple? let him turn aside hither.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath said to him,

5 `Come, eat of my bread, And drink of the wine I have mingled.

6 Forsake ye, the simple, and live, And be happy in the way of understanding.

7 The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it -- shame, And a reprover of the wicked -- his blemish.

8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee.

9 Give to the wise, and he is wiser still, Make known to the righteous, And he increaseth learning.

10 The commencement of wisdom [is] the fear of Jehovah, And a knowledge of the Holy Ones [is] understanding.

11 For by me do thy days multiply, And added to thee are years of life.

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.