Proverbs 9:8-18

8 If you reprove a scoffer, he will hate you; if you reprove a wise man, he will love you.

9 Give to a wise man, and he grows still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will learn still more.

10 The fear of ADONAI is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of holy ones is understanding.

11 For with me, your days will be increased; years will be added to your life.

12 If you are wise, your wisdom helps you; but if you scoff, you bear the consequences alone."

13 The foolish woman is coarse; she doesn't think, and she doesn't know a thing.

14 She sits at the door of her house or on a seat at the heights of the city,

15 calling to those who pass by, to those going straight along their ways,

16 "Whoever is unsure of himself, turn in here!"To someone weak-willed she says,

17 "Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is pleasant."

18 But he doesn't realize that the dead are there, and that those who accept her invitation are in the depths of Sh'ol.

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.