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The Way of Wisdom
9 Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn her seven pillars.
She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
She has sent out her young women to call
from the highest places in the town,
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks sense she says,
“Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
The Way of Folly
The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.
She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
“Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
(ESV)
Proverbs 9 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Proverbs 9: Only a fool would deny God.
How do you know if you are acting foolishly? First, we see that a wise person accepts correction. This goes back to the humility/teachability traits that have been explored in the previous chapters. God’s ways will cause disruption in our lives. The cross demonstrates the severity of our spiritual condition. His grace is offensive. When correction is brought by His Word, a fool quickly dismisses it, covers it, or redirects it.
I love the opening passage which personifies wisdom as a newly built house. The number of pillars (7) signifies spiritual completeness. The house is constructed on a predictable foundation and it is not lacking anything. It is attractive, solidly constructed, and comprehensively furnished.
Wisdom, like a residence, is available for visitors. The doors are left wide open. The aromatic feast being prepared wafts out into the countryside. Like a beacon atop a lighthouse, the servants call out to all who are seeking. “Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed.” God’s wisdom nourishes the soul. It satisfies the heart.
“But solid food is for the mature—for those whose senses have been trained to distinguish between good and evil.”
Hebrews 5:14 HCSB
Those who enter into the residence of God’s wisdom will experience a feast of solid food, but take note, it is for those mature in their faith. This decision of entering into God’s house requires discernment.