
Proverbs 9:1 “Wisdom has built her house…”
Seems to me to be a continuation of chapter 8. Description and narrative of wisdom. Will also contrast Godly wisdom with earthly foolishness.
2 “…seven pillars”
I get the number seven being referenced as whole or complete, but I wondered about the pillars, was there some great significance. Apparently just part of the building, the columns of the structure such as the temple.
4-6 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.”
The message of Godly wisdom. Reject wicked desires and follow righteousness. Will contrast in a few verses.
8 “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”
A scoffer has no desire to know the truth, but in expressing his own opinions. Offering him the truth only contradicts and exposes his foolishness. A wise man seeks the truth. If you offer him truth that contradicts what he thought, he will appreciate it since it is more of what he desires. Sometimes it’s not so easy to tell the two apart before you offer them something, but usually not so afterwards by their reactions.
10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
The core of wisdom. Seeking God and His righteousness.
13 “A foolish woman…”
Antithesis of wisdom as has been described.
16-17 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, Stolen water is sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
The contrast. Give in to fleshly desires. Give no thought to consequences, live only for what you want.
I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word. May it accomplish what He desires. Please feel free to comment or post questions. Thanks for reading!
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.