Study notes

Proverbs 9

Introducing ProverbsWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

1:8–9:18 Section

In this section of the book of Proverbs, a father speaks to his son. The father and the mother have taught the son how to live well. They have taught him with their words and with the example of how they live. The father urges the son to live according to what they have taught him.

The advice from the parents is about many things. It’s about being humble and trusting God completely. It’s about the son guarding his heart. The son’s heart is where he makes decisions. The advice is about the son saying no when he is tempted to do evil. This includes stealing and getting rich in ways that aren’t honest. It includes refusing to share with others. It includes lying, being jealous and having sex with another man’s wife.

The advice is also about becoming wise. People begin to be wise when they respect God. Wisdom is something that God gives. He wants all human beings to have it. God gives wisdom freely to those who ask for it. This is made clear in the poems about wisdom and in James 1:5.

Wisdom is described as a woman who calls out to everyone in public. She invites everyone to come to her house and share in a feast. This means that people listen to wisdom and obey wise teachings. That is how people get wisdom. Obeying wise instructions leads to health, riches, success and honour. That is the pattern of life that the parents have noticed. That is the pattern they want their son’s life to follow.

Wisdom is also described as the first thing that God created. Wisdom was with God when he created the world. Wisdom was full of joy and delight as God created the world and all people. This shows that wisdom can also be learnt by studying creation.

The poems about wisdom talk about foolishness being the opposite of wisdom. Foolishness is described as a woman who knows nothing and is full of pride. She treats others badly. Like wisdom, foolishness also calls out to everyone and invites them to a feast. But obeying her instructions leads to danger, suffering, trouble, shame and death.

8:1–9:18

The first part of Proverbs reaches a peak when the son meets two women. Both invite the young man, and the reader, into a close relationship. The young man and the reader must choose between:

The woman named Wisdom, who represents God's true wisdom (Proverbs 8:1–9:6)
The woman named Folly (9:13–18), who represents worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16)

Both women's houses are on "the heights of the city" (Proverbs 9:3, 14), which suggests ancient temples. The choice is between the true God and false gods.

9:1

The number seven symbolizes greatness or completeness. Thus, the seven columns represent the greatness of Wisdom's house, where it resides.

9:1–6

In Proverbs 9:13–18, a competing invitation challenges this offer to join Wisdom for a lavish meal.

9:2

In the ancient Near East, people held a great banquet for a marriage, a military victory, or a treaty. Wisdom's celebration marks the start of a committed relationship with the listener.

9:3

In the ancient Near East, people built temples on high places above the city. Being wise means being dedicated to the Lord (see Proverbs 9:14 for comparison).

9:4

Wisdom appeals mainly to those who are naive and lack good judgment because they have not yet chosen between wisdom and foolishness. See Proverbs 9:16, where Foolishness copies and then distorts Wisdom's words.

9:6

Wisdom helps people handle life well.

9:7–9

These verses create a break between the invitations of Wisdom and Folly. The purpose might be to warn the simple (Proverbs 9:4) that inviting mockers and the wicked is often pointless. These people have already chosen their path and respond to Wisdom's advice with violence. In contrast, the wise appreciate and benefit from corrective advice.

Proverbs 9

1:8–9:18 Section

8:1–9:18

9:1

9:1–6

9:2

9:3

9:4

9:6

9:7–9

9:10–12

9:13

9:13–18

9:14

9:17

9:18