Bible Version: New International Version (NIV)
Application Notes: Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
PROVERBS 9
Invitations of Wisdom and Folly
1 Wisdom has built her house;
she has set up 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.”
7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For through wisdom your days will be many,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.
13 Folly is an unruly woman;
she is simple and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house,
on a seat at the highest point of the city,
15 calling out to those who pass by,
who go straight on their way,
16 “Let all who are simple come to my house!”
To those who have no sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet;
food eaten in secret is delicious!”
18 But little do they know that the dead are there,
that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead.
Application Notes
9:1-18 This chapter portrays Wisdom and Folly (foolishness) as rival young women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it. But Wisdom is a responsible woman of character while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food. Wisdom appeals first to the mind; Folly appeals to the senses. It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary. They don't bring lasting satisfaction. By contrast, the satisfaction that Wisdom brings lasts forever, although initially it can be slow to activate and can be easily abandoned.
9:1-5 The banquet described in this chapter has some interesting parallels to the banquet Jesus described in one of his parables (Luke 14:15-24). In his parable, many were invited but never made it to the celebration because they got sidetracked by other activities that seemed more important at the time. Don't let anything become more important than your pursuit of God and your search for his wisdom.
9:1 The seven pillars are figurative; they do not represent seven specifically known principles of wisdom. In the Bible, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Therefore, this verse poetically states that wisdom lacks nothing—it is complete and perfect.
9:7-10 Are you a mocker or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of replying with a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what others tell you. Learn from those who correct you; this is the path to wisdom. Ignore the initial sting of embarrassment and look for helpful ideas. Wisdom begins with getting to know God. He gives insight into how we should live because he created life. To know God means more than just knowing the facts about him; you must respect his mighty power and cultivate a relationship with him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better. (See James 1:5 and 2 Peter 1:2-4 for more on how to become wise.)
9:14-17 Wickedness has a hypnotic and intoxicating quality about it. One sin leads us to want more; sinful behavior seems more exciting than the disciplines of the Christian life. That is why many people put aside all thought of Wisdom's sumptuous banquet (9:1-5) in order to eat the stolen food of Folly (foolishness). Don't be deceived—sin corrupts and destroys. Before reaching for forbidden fruit, take a long look at what happens to those who eat it. (See the chart on pages 1056-1057.)
Taken from Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition - (NIV)