9:1The seven columns are figurative; they do not represent seven principles of wisdom. In the Bible, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. This verse poetically states that wisdom lacks nothing—it is complete and perfect.
Life Application Study BibleProverbsChapter 9
Proverbs 9
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 1015, 1016
9Proverbs 9
1she has carved its seven columns.
2She has prepared a great banquet,mixed the wines, and set the table.
3She has sent her servants to invite everyone to come.She calls out from the heights overlooking the city.
4“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.To those who lack good judgment, she says,
5“Come, eat my food,and drink the wine I have mixed.
6Leave your simple ways behind, and begin to live;learn to use good judgment.”
7Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return.Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.
8So don’t bother correcting mockers;they will only hate you.But correct the wise,and they will love you.
9Instruct the wise,and they will be even wiser.Teach the righteous,and they will learn even more.
10Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom.Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.
11Wisdom will multiply your daysand add years to your life.
12If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit.If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Folly Calls for a Hearing
1313 The woman named Folly is brash.She is ignorant and doesn’t know it.
14She sits in her doorwayon the heights overlooking the city.
15She calls out to men going bywho are minding their own business.
16“Come in with me,” she urges the simple.To those who lack good judgment, she says,
17“Stolen water is refreshing;food eaten in secret tastes the best!”
18But little do they know that the dead are there.Her guests are in the depths of the grave.*
B. WISDOM FOR ALL PEOPLE (10:1—24:34)
These short couplets are what we commonly recognize as proverbs. They cover a wide range of topics. The first section was written by Solomon. The next two sections were written by others but collected by Solomon. These sayings give people practical wisdom for godly living at every stage of life.
Textual footnotes
- 9:18 Hebrew in Sheol.
Life Application Notes 5 notes
9:1ffWisdom and Folly (foolishness) are portrayed in this chapter 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 to the mind; Folly to the senses. It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary. By contrast, the satisfaction that Wisdom brings lasts forever.
9:1-5The banquet described in this chapter has some interesting parallels to the banquet Jesus described in one of his parables (Luke 14:15-24). Many may intend to go, but they never make it because they get sidetracked by other activities that seem more important at the time. Don’t let anything become more important than your search for God’s wisdom.
9:7-10Are 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 is being said. Learn from your critics; this is the path to wisdom. Wisdom begins with knowing God. He gives insight into living because he created life. To know God you must not just know the facts about him; you must have a personal 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.)
9:14-17Something is hypnotic and intoxicating about wickedness. One sin leads to another; sinful behavior seems more exciting than 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. Don’t be deceived——sin is dangerous. Before reaching for forbidden fruit, take a long look at what happens to those who eat it. (See the chart in chapters 21-22, pp. 1040-1041.)