Proverbs 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).

2. mingled--to enhance the flavor

(Pr 23:30;

Isa 5:22).

furnished--literally, "set out," "arranged."

3. maidens--servants to invite (compare

Ps 68:11;

Isa 40:9).

highest places--ridges of heights, conspicuous places.

4-6. (Compare

Pr 1:4; 6:32).

Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.

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.

9. The more a wise man learns, the more he loves wisdom.

10. (Compare

Pr 1:7).

of the holy--literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This

knowledge gives right perception.

11. (Compare

Pr 3:16-18; 4:10).

12. You are mainly concerned in your own conduct.

13. foolish woman--or literally, "woman of folly," specially manifested

clamorous--or, "noisy"

(Pr 7:11).

knoweth nothing--literally, "knoweth not what," that is, is right and

proper.

14. on a seat--literally, "throne," takes a prominent place, impudently

and haughtily.

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.

17. The language of a proverb, meaning that forbidden delights are

sweet and pleasant, as fruits of risk and danger.

18. (Compare

Pr 2:18, 19; 7:27).