Proverbs 9:2-12

2 She has put her fat beasts to death; her wine is mixed, her table is ready.

3 She has sent out her women-servants; her voice goes out to the highest places of the town, saying,

4 Whoever is simple, let him come in here; and to him who has no sense, she says:

5 Come, take of my bread, and of my wine which is mixed.

6 Give up the simple ones and have life, and go in the way of knowledge.

7 He who gives teaching to a man of pride gets shame for himself; he who says sharp words to a sinner gets a bad name.

8 Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him.

9 Give teaching to a wise man, and he will become wiser; give training to an upright man, and his learning will be increased.

10 The fear of the Lord is the start of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One gives a wise mind

11 For by me your days will be increased, and the years of your life will be long.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if your heart is full of pride, you only will have the pain of it.

Proverbs 9:2-12 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.