Proverbs 9:7-17

7 If you reason with an arrogant cynic, you'll get slapped in the face; confront bad behavior and get a kick in the shins.

8 So don't waste your time on a scoffer; all you'll get for your pains is abuse. But if you correct those who care about life, that's different - they'll love you for it!

9 Save your breath for the wise - they'll be wiser for it; tell good people what you know - they'll profit from it.

10 Skilled living gets its start in the Fear-of-God, insight into life from knowing a Holy God.

11 It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen.

12 Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you. Madame Whore Calls Out, Too

13 Then there's this other woman, Madame Whore - brazen, empty-headed, frivolous.

14 She sits on the front porch of her house on Main Street,

15 And as people walk by minding their own business, calls out,

16 "Are you confused about life, don't know what's going on?

17 Steal off with me, I'll show you a good time! No one will ever know - I'll give you the time of your life."

Proverbs 9:7-17 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.