Proverbs 9:1-6

Invitations of Wisdom and Folly

1 Wisdom has built her house; she has set up[a] its seven pillars.
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.
3 She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city,
4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!” To those who have no sense she says,
5 “Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.”

Proverbs 9:1-6 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.

Cross References 11

  • 1. Ephesians 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:5
  • 2. Isaiah 25:6; Isaiah 62:8
  • 3. Luke 14:16-23
  • 4. S Proverbs 1:20; Proverbs 8:1-3
  • 5. ver 14
  • 6. S Proverbs 1:22
  • 7. ver 16; S Proverbs 6:32
  • 8. John 7:37-38
  • 9. S Psalms 42:2; Psalms 63:1; Psalms 143:6; Isaiah 44:3; Isaiah 55:1
  • 10. S Proverbs 8:35
  • 11. S Proverbs 3:1-2

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Septuagint, Syriac and Targum; Hebrew "has hewn out"
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