Proverbs 9:9-18

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone."

13 A foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knows nothing.

14 For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat by the highest places of the city,

15 To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:

16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here"; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,

17 "Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the depths of hell.

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 Sheol