Bible Commentaries
Proverbs 9

Verses 1-18

The last address is a contrast between wisdom and folly. Each is personified as a woman calling to youth. Wisdom has builded her house, and spread her feast in the high places of the city. She calls to a feast of life. Folly in the garb of the evil woman sits at the door of her house, also in the high places of the city. She also calls to a feast, but it is the feast of death.

Between the two descriptions there is a passage revealing the fact that the effect produced will depend on the attitude of those who hear (verses Pro 9:7-11 ). The man who scorns, gets shame, and it is useless to reprove him. What, then, is this first wisdom that expresses itself in willingness to learn, and gains yet greater wisdom? It is the fear of Jehovah and the knowledge of the Holy One. In every city, on every street, by every door of opportunity, these two voices of wisdom and folly are appealing to men. To obey the call of wisdom is to live. To yield to the clamor of folly is to die, How shall we discern between the voices? By making the fear of Jehovah the central inspiration of life. By yielding the being at its deepest to Him for correction and guidance.