Proverbs 9:1-18 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Reader Related Verse
Bible Comments

The last address is a contrast between wisdom and folly. Each is personified as a woman calling to youth. Wisdom has builded her house, and spread her feast in the high places of the city. She calls to a feast of life. Folly in the garb of the evil woman sits at the door of her house, also in the high places of the city. She also calls to a feast, but it is the feast of death.

Between the two descriptions there is a passage revealing the fact that the effect produced will depend on the attitude of those who hear (verses Pro 9:7-11). The man who scorns, gets shame, and it is useless to reprove him. What, then, is this first wisdom that expresses itself in willingness to learn, and gains yet greater wisdom? It is the fear of Jehovah and the knowledge of the Holy One. In every city, on every street, by every door of opportunity, these two voices of wisdom and folly are appealing to men. To obey the call of wisdom is to live. To yield to the clamor of folly is to die, How shall we discern between the voices? By making the fear of Jehovah the central inspiration of life. By yielding the being at its deepest to Him for correction and guidance.

Related Commentaries of Proverbs 9:1

Proverbs 9:1-18

1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

2 She hath killed her beasts;a she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:

16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.