Proverbs 9:9-18

9 Impart to a wise [man], and he will become yet wiser; teach a righteous [man], and he will increase learning.

10 The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy is intelligence.

11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and years of life shall be added to thee.

12 If thou art wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself; and if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13 The foolish woman is clamorous; she is stupid, and knoweth nothing.

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

15 to call passers-by who go right on their ways:

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

17 Stolen waters are sweet, and the bread of secrecy is pleasant.

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

Proverbs 9:9-18 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'the principle of.' Not as ch. 1.7.
• [b]. Or 'of holy things;' plural, as ch. 30.3.
• [c]. Strictly, 'she is simpleness.'
• [d]. See ch. 2.18.