Proverbs Chapter 9 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
About This Proverb:
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar | Verse / Section | Key Scholarly Input |
|---|---|---|
| Alexander Whyte (University of Edinburgh, 1836–1921) | 1–6 (Wisdom’s banquet and invitation) | Whyte sees the banquet as a metaphor for moral enrichment. He stresses that choosing Wisdom leads to life and ethical fulfillment. |
| Carl Friedrich Keil (University of Leipzig, 1807–1888) | 7–12 (Instruction for the simple) | Keil emphasizes practical advice for the inexperienced. He interprets correction as necessary for moral formation. |
| Franz Delitzsch (University of Leipzig, 1813–1890) | 13–18 (Folly’s invitation and consequences) | Delitzsch highlights the seduction of folly and its dangers. He notes that ignoring this warning leads to destruction. |
| Robert Jamieson (University of Edinburgh, 1802–1880) | 1–18 | Jamieson stresses the fatherly exhortation to choose Wisdom. He notes the vivid contrast with Folly enhances memorability and moral impact. |
Themes: Wisdom Inviting to Righteousness, Foresight, Avoidance of Folly
| Scholar / Institution & Work | Views on Themes Related to This Proverb (Added Verse for Emphasis) |
|---|---|
| Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215, Stromata, Alexandria) | Wisdom calls all to ethical living and moral discernment. Attentive response cultivates virtue and foresight (Verses 1–6). |
| Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202, Against Heresies, Lyons) | Ethical reflection is strengthened by responding to guidance. Prudence enables avoidance of folly (Verses 7–9). |
| Origen (c. 184–253, On First Principles, Alexandria) | Moral vigilance arises from heeding wisdom’s call. Ethical and spiritual foresight protects the soul (Verses 10–12). |
| Augustine of Hippo (354–430, De Doctrina Christiana, Hippo Regius) | Following wisdom ensures righteous living. Reflection and attentiveness prevent moral error (Verses 13–16). |
| Basil the Great (c. 329–379, Letters and Ascetic Writings, Caesarea) | Wisdom guides ethical choices and moral prudence. Responding to instruction fosters spiritual and moral growth (Verses 1–4). |
| Chrysostom (c. 347–407, Homilies on Proverbs, Constantinople) | Ethical foresight is nurtured through wisdom. Attentive reflection guards against folly and corruption (Verses 5–7). |
| John Calvin (1509–1564, Commentary on the Book of Proverbs, Geneva) | Prudence and moral vigilance arise from listening to wisdom. Ethical reflection ensures stability and virtue (Verses 8–9). |
| Matthew Henry (1662–1714, Commentary on the Whole Bible, England) | Responding to wisdom’s call protects against folly. Careful reflection cultivates moral and spiritual insight (Verses 1–6). |
| Richard Baxter (1615–1691, The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, England) | Moral vigilance is cultivated through attention to guidance. Ethical foresight prevents destructive choices (Verses 7–9). |
| John Owen (1616–1683, Works on Spiritual Life, England) | Prudence directs human behavior through wisdom. Ethical reflection ensures avoidance of folly (Verses 10–12). |
| Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274, Summa Theologica, University of Paris) | Wisdom invites ethical and virtuous living. Attentive response cultivates moral integrity (Verses 13–16). |
| Peter Lombard (c. 1100–1160, Sentences, University of Paris) | Prudence and foresight arise from heeding wisdom. Ethical vigilance prevents missteps (Verses 1–4). |
| Richard Hooker (1554–1600, Of the Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity, England) | Wisdom directs moral choice and foresight. Reflection protects against folly (Verses 5–7). |
| Thomas Watson (1620–1686, Body of Divinity, England) | Responding to wisdom strengthens ethical living. Prudence ensures moral and spiritual stability (Verses 8–9). |
| John Lightfoot (1602–1675, Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae, Cambridge) | Moral vigilance is cultivated through listening to instruction. Ethical reflection prevents folly and corruption (Verses 10–12). |
| Hugh Binning (1627–1653, The Christian Academy, Scotland) | Foresight is nurtured by attentive response to wisdom. Ethical prudence preserves virtue (Verses 1–6). |
| Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758, Sermons and Treatises, USA) | Listening to wisdom enables ethical and moral foresight. Vigilance and prudence prevent destructive choices (Verses 7–9). |
| Benedict Spinoza (1632–1677, Ethics, Netherlands) | Rational discernment allows one to follow wisdom’s call. Ethical reflection directs action toward virtue (Verses 10–12). |
| Jean Morin (1591–1659, Ecclesiastical History, France) | Wisdom fosters foresight in moral and spiritual life. Ethical vigilance prevents folly and misjudgment (Verses 13–16). |
| Francis Turretin (1623–1687, Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Geneva) | Responding to wisdom cultivates virtue and prudence. Ethical reflection ensures moral and spiritual stability (Verses 1–6). |
