Proverbs 9:8-18

8 Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee.

9 Give [instruction] to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased.

12 If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13 The foolish woman is clamorous; [She is] simple, and knoweth nothing.

14 And she sitteth at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call to them that pass by, Who go right on their ways:

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him,

17 Stolen waters are sweet, And bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.

18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; That her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Proverbs 9:8-18 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.