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Proverbs 9

World English Bible

WEB

1Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. 2She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table. 3She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city: 4“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 5“Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! 6Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.” 7One who corrects a mocker invites insult. One who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. 8Don’t reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you. 9Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning. 10The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased. 12If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it. 13The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing. 14She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways, 16“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, 17“Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant.” 18But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Proverbs Chapter 9 presents a vivid contrast between the call of Wisdom and the invitation of Folly, illustrating the choices that individuals face in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding. The chapter begins with a personification of Wisdom, depicted as a woman who has built her house, prepared a feast, and sent out her maidens to invite the simple and those lacking understanding to partake in her banquet. This invitation symbolizes the abundant life and the deep truths that come from living in accordance with God's ways. Wisdom encourages her guests to forsake foolishness and embrace understanding, promising that those who heed her call will find life and favor from the Lord. This reflects the biblical principle that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs1:7) and leads to a fulfilling life in alignment with God's will.

On the other hand, Folly is also personified as a woman who is loud and seductive, sitting at the door of her house, calling out to those who pass by. She offers a deceptive invitation, luring the naive into her trap with promises of pleasure and ease, but ultimately leads them to destruction. The stark contrast between the two women serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment in our choices. The chapter concludes with a warning that those who reject Wisdom and embrace Folly are on a path that leads to death. This chapter encapsulates the essence of the book of Proverbs, urging readers to seek wisdom and understanding as they navigate the complexities of life.

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Referenced by

  1. 2 Chronicles 19:7v102 Chronicles 19:7 warns against injustice and partiality, rooted in the fear of the Lord, which Proverbs 9:10 identifies as the beginning of wisdom.
  2. Job 28:28v10Job 28:28 declares that the fear of the Lord is wisdom, which is echoed in Proverbs 9:10, stating that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
  3. Psalms 90:12v10Psalm 90:12 asks for wisdom to number our days, which aligns with Proverbs 9:10 where the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
  4. Psalms 111:10v10Psalm 111:10 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a concept also found in Proverbs 9:10, emphasizing the foundational role of reverence for God in gaining wisdom.

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