Proverbs 9:1-9

1 Wisdom has built a house for herself, and set up seven pillars.

2 She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine in a bowl, and prepared her table.

3 She has sent forth her servants, calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying,

4 Whoso is foolish, let him turn aside to me: and to them that want understanding she says,

5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink wine which I have mingled for you.

6 Leave folly, that ye may reign for ever; and seek wisdom, and improve understanding by knowledge.

7 He that reproves evil shall get dishonour to himself; and he that rebukes an ungodly shall disgrace himself.

8 Rebuke not evil , lest they should hate thee: rebuke a wise , and he will love thee.

9 Give an opportunity to a wise , and he will be wiser: instruct a just man, and he will receive more .

Proverbs 9:1-9 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Alex. + 'that ye may live.'