Proverbs Chapter 9 (WEB)

Read Proverbs chapter 9 online with LogosAI Bible study tools, highlights, and cross references.

Proverbs 9 is part of “The Call of Wisdom and Warning Against Folly” (1:8–9:18) in the outline of Proverbs.

Proverbs 9 summary

Christ and sin are rivals for the soul of man, and here we are told how they both make their court to it, to have the innermost and uppermost place in it. The design of this representation is to set before us life and death, good and evil; and there needs no more than a fair stating of the case to determine us which of those to choose, and surrender our hearts to. They are both brought in making entertainment for the soul, and inviting it to accept of the entertainment; concerning both we are told what the issue will be; and, the matter being thus laid before us, let us consider, take advice, and speak our minds. And we are therefore concerned to put a value upon our own souls, because we see there is such striving for them. I. Christ, under the name of Wisdom, invites us to accept of his entertainment, and so to enter into acquaintance and communion with him (Pro 9:1-6). And having foretold the different success of his invitation (Pro 9:7-9) he shows, in short, what he requires from us (Pro 9:10). and what he designs for us (Pro 9:11), and then leaves it to our choice what we will do (Pro 9:12). II. Sin, under the character of a foolish woman, courts us to accept of her entertainment, and (Pro 9:13-16) pretends it is very charming (Pro 9:17). But Solomon tells us what the reckoning will be (Pro 9:18). And now choose you, this day, whom you will close with.

Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).

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