Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: CHAPTER 9
Pr 9:1-18. The commendation of wisdom is continued, under the figure of a liberal host, and its provisions under that of a feast (compare Lu 14:16-24). The character of those who are invited is followed by a contrasted description of the rejectors of good counsel; and with the invitations of wisdom are contrasted the allurement of the wicked woman. 1. house—(compare Pr 8:34). her—or, "its" (the house). seven pillars—the number seven for many, or a sufficiency (Pr 6:31). She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. 2. mingled—to enhance the flavor (Pr 23:30; Isa 5:22).
furnished—literally, "set out," "arranged." She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, 3. maidens—servants to invite (compare Ps 68:11; Isa 40:9).
highest places—ridges of heights, conspicuous places. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, 4-6. (Compare Pr 1:4; 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 7, 8. shame—(Compare Pr 3:35).
a blot—or, "stain on character." Both terms denote the evil done by others to one whose faithfulness secures a wise man's love. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 9. The more a wise man learns, the more he loves wisdom.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 10. (Compare Pr 1:7).
of the holy—literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This knowledge gives right perception. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. 11. (Compare Pr 3:16-18; 4:10).
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. 12. You are mainly concerned in your own conduct.
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. 13. foolish woman—or literally, "woman of folly," specially manifested by such as are described.
clamorous—or, "noisy" (Pr 7:11). knoweth nothing—literally, "knoweth not what," that is, is right and proper. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 14. on a seat—literally, "throne," takes a prominent place, impudently and haughtily.
To call passengers who go right on their ways: 15, 16. to allure those who are right-minded, and who are addressed as in Pr 9:4, as
simple—that is, easily led (Pr 1:4) and unsettled, though willing to do right. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 17. The language of a proverb, meaning that forbidden delights are sweet and pleasant, as fruits of risk and danger.
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. 18. (Compare Pr 2:18, 19; 7:27). |
