Proverbs 9

This chapter is the conclusion of Solomon’s introduction which is chapters 1-9. Chapter 10 has a heading for a new section: “The Proverbs of Solomon.” From there on the proverbs are more isolated, single statements, not part of a larger prose section. So what does Solomon the Wise have to tell us? First, a recommendation to listen to wisdom.

9: 1-6.            Wisdom has built her house;

                               she has hewn her seven pillars.

She has slaughtered her animals; she has mixed her wine;

                               she has also set her table.

She has sent out her female servants; she calls

                               from the highest places in the town,

“You who are simple, turn in here!”

                               To those without sense she says,

“Come, eat of my bread

                               and drink of the wine I have mixed.

Lay aside immaturity and live,

                               and walk in the way of insight.”

Notice the preparation of a perfect banquet hall (7 pillars), and especially notice that the invitation comes from Wisdom. Wisdom is not difficult to find but is offered freely. I can’t help but wonder about the character similarities here to God himself. In the Old Testament, God is often portrayed as seeking the sinner.

“But the LORD God called to the man (Adam), and said, ‘Where are you’.”[1] 

“God called to him (Moses) out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here

 am I’.”[2]

“After the death of Moses… the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun….”[3]

“Then the LORD called, ‘Samuel! Samuel” and he said, ‘Here I am!’”[4]

And it goes on, over and over again as God calls kings and prophets to their positions.

This passage also shows God’s hospitality. It is a precursor to Jesus’ common themes. It is the Good Shepherd that goes out looking for wayward but needy sheep. It is God himself who prepares a large banquet and calls people to come and enjoy. For example, in the Parable of the Great Dinner (Luke 13: 15ff), when everything is ready, it is not God who refuses entry, rather those who were invited refuse to come. What will happen in this story when Wisdom invites those who need understanding to come and get it?

Second, Solomon offers a warning about the company that we keep, or rather about the folly of throwing pearls among swine (Matthew 7:6).

9: 7-12.        Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse;

                               whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.

Do not rebuke a scoffer, lest he hate you;

                               rebuke the wise, and he will love you.

Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still;

                               teach the righteous, and they will gain 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.

There is an interesting contrast here, and a life lesson. When someone shows interest in Wisdom and/or the Word, then that person might be worth the time it takes to instruct them. However, the advice here is that we do not keep trying to rebuke someone who scoffs at the mention of the Lord and just continues in their wicked ways. Until they show some interest, genuine questioning that comes from deep down, it is unlikely that words of wisdom will be welcomed.

And where do those words of wisdom come from? Once again, and in agreement with Ecclesiastes, which also was written by Solomon, we are told about the rewards of showing reverence and respect for God: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”[5]  

Third, Solomon offers a warning about being influenced by scammers, bloggers, advertisers, and seducers. Every week I get warnings from our seminary IT department about scams, deceptions, and traps on the internet. Solomon is talking about false advertising in the extreme.

9: 13-18.      The foolish woman is loud;

                               she is ignorant and knows nothing.

She sits at the door of her house,

                               on a seat at the high places of the town,

calling to those who pass by,

                               who are going straight on their way,

“You who are simple, turn in here!”

                               And to those without sense she says,

“Stolen water is sweet,

                               and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”

But they do not know that the dead are there,

                               that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Very interesting. The same line is used: “You who are simple, turn in here!” Did you notice that? How many ‘gospels’ blare out to us as we go through the day? ‘Do this and be healthy!’ ‘Do this and be happy!” ‘Do this and become rich!’ ‘Do this and save money!’

“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant,” but remember the line about ‘sweet to the tongue, but bitter in the belly’ (Proverbs 5: 3-5).

[1] Genesis 3: 9.

[2] Exodus 3:4.

[3] Joshua 1: 1.

[4] I Samuel 3: 4.

[5] See also: Proverbs 1:7, 29; 2:5; 10: 27; 14: 26-27; 15: 16, 33; 16:6; 19:23; 22: 4; 23: 17; 24: 1; 29: 25; as well as Ecclesiastes 5: 7; 7: 18; 8: 12; 12: 13.