1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4 Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: [as for] him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled.
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked [man getteth] himself a blot.
8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9 Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet 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 [is] understanding.
11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but [if] thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear [it].
13 A foolish woman [is] clamorous: [she is] simple, and knoweth nothing.
14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16 Whoso [is] simple, let him turn in hither: and [as for] him that wanteth 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; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.
Overview of Proverbs Chapter 9
Proverbs Chapter 9 serves as a pivotal point in the Book of Proverbs, contrasting the invitations of Wisdom and Folly. This chapter emphasizes the importance of making wise choices and the consequences of those choices.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into two main sections:
- Wisdom’s Invitation (Verses 1-6)
- The Call of Folly (Verses 13-18)
Wisdom’s Invitation (Verses 1-6)
In the first section, Wisdom is personified as a woman who has built her house and prepared a feast. This imagery symbolizes the preparation and richness of a life lived in accordance with wisdom.
- Verse 1: Wisdom is depicted as having built her house, indicating stability and strength.
- Verse 2: The feast represents the abundance and nourishment that wisdom offers.
- Verses 3-5: Wisdom sends out invitations, calling people to partake in her offerings, symbolizing the accessibility of wisdom to all who seek it.
- Verse 6: The call to leave behind foolishness and embrace understanding highlights the transformative power of wisdom.
The Call of Folly (Verses 13-18)
In stark contrast, Folly is also personified as a woman who is loud and seductive, inviting people to partake in her ways. This section illustrates the deceptive nature of folly and its consequences.
- Verse 13: Folly is described as boisterous and ignorant, indicating a lack of true understanding.
- Verses 14-15: Folly’s invitation is aimed at those who are simple, highlighting her appeal to the unwise.
- Verse 16: The call to “stolen waters” represents the allure of temptation and the immediate gratification that folly offers.
- Verse 17: The deceptive nature of folly is revealed as it promises pleasure but leads to death.
- Verse 18: The finality of folly’s consequences is emphasized, as those who follow her path do not realize they are heading toward destruction.
Thematic Analysis
Proverbs 9 encapsulates several key themes:
- Choice: The chapter highlights the importance of choosing between wisdom and folly, illustrating the paths available to individuals.
- Consequences: Each choice comes with its own set of consequences, reinforcing the idea that wisdom leads to life while folly leads to death.
- Personification: The personification of Wisdom and Folly serves to make abstract concepts relatable and tangible, emphasizing their influence in daily life.
- Accessibility of Wisdom: Wisdom is portrayed as inviting and accessible, encouraging readers to seek her out actively.
Conclusion
Proverbs Chapter 9 serves as a critical reminder of the choices individuals face in life. The contrasting depictions of Wisdom and Folly illustrate the paths one can take and the profound impact of those choices on one’s life. This chapter encourages readers to pursue wisdom and understand the dire consequences of folly.
