Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 9

Verses 1-18

CHAPTER 9

1. The invitation of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1-12 )

2. The contrast with Folly. (Proverbs 9:13-18 )

Proverbs 9:1-12 . The first section of Proverbs closeth with a contrast of Wisdom and Folly, both personified. The one, our Lord, the other under the symbol of a foolish woman. Wisdom sends forth her invitation after her house is built and the feast is spread. It reminds us of the parable of the great supper (Luke 14:1-35 ). Here too is the gracious invitation, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled.”

Proverbs 9:13-18 . Folly too has her house and sitteth in the door on a seat in the high places of the city to call to her victims. She invites to the stolen waters, so sweet to the natural man, to eat bread in secret places, equally pleasant. But what is the end? “The dead are there; ... her guests are in the depths of hell.” The foolish woman is the world with its lusts.