Proverbs 9
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1Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
CHAPTER 9
Pr 9:1-18. The commendation of wisdom is continued, under the figure of a liberal host, and its provisions under that of a feast (compare Lu 14:16-24). The character of those who are invited is followed by a contrasted description of the rejectors of good counsel; and with the invitations of wisdom are contrasted the allurement of the wicked woman.
1. house--(compare Pr 8:34).
her--or, "its" (the house).
seven pillars--the number seven for many, or a sufficiency (Pr 6:31).
2She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
2. mingled--to enhance the flavor (Pr 23:30; Is 5:22).
furnished--literally, "set out," "arranged."
3She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
3. maidens--servants to invite (compare Psa 68:11; Is 40:9).
highest places--ridges of heights, conspicuous places.
4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
4-6. (Compare Pr 1:4; 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.
5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
4-6. (Compare Pr 1:4; 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.
6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
4-6. (Compare Pr 1:4; 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.
7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
7-8. shame--(Compare Pr 3:35).
a blot--or, "stain on character." Both terms denote the evil done by others to one whose faithfulness secures a wise man's love.
8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
7-8. shame--(Compare Pr 3:35).
a blot--or, "stain on character." Both terms denote the evil done by others to one whose faithfulness secures a wise man's love.
9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
9. The more a wise man learns, the more he loves wisdom.
10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
10. (Compare Pr 1:7).
of the holy--literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This knowledge gives right perception.
11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
11. (Compare Pr 3:16-18; 4:10).
12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
12. You are mainly concerned in your own conduct.
13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
13. foolish woman--or literally, "woman of folly," specially manifested by such as are described.
clamorous--or, "noisy" (Pr 7:11).
knoweth nothing--literally, "knoweth not what," that is, is right and proper.
14For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
14. on a seat--literally, "throne," takes a prominent place, impudently and haughtily.
15To call passengers who go right on their ways:
15-16. to allure those who are right-minded, and who are addressed as in Pr 9:4, as
simple--that is, easily led (Pr 1:4) and unsettled, though willing to do right.
16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
15-16. to allure those who are right-minded, and who are addressed as in Pr 9:4, as
simple--that is, easily led (Pr 1:4) and unsettled, though willing to do right.
17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
17. The language of a proverb, meaning that forbidden delights are sweet and pleasant, as fruits of risk and danger.
18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
18. (Compare Pr 2:18, 19; 7:27).