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Dave Burnette's Commentary

Proverbs Chapter 9

Written By: God through Inspiration
Penned By: Solomon, Agur, and Lemuel
Date Penned: (970-931 BC)
Overview: Wisdom to Teach People to Live Godly (c 1-31)
Theme: Wisdom for Young Men (c 1-9)
Message: Wisdom is its Own Reward (v 1-18)

Proverbs 9 Commentary 

(9:1)  Wisdom and Folly - This chapter portrays Wisdom and Folly (foolishness as rival young women, each preparing a feast and inviting people to it. But Wisdom is a responsible woman of character while Folly is a prostitute serving stolen food. Wisdom appeals first to the mind; Folly appeals to the senses.) It is easier to excite the senses, but the pleasures of Folly are temporary. They don't bring lasting satisfaction. By contrast, the satisfaction that Wisdom brings lasts forever, although initially it can be slow to activate and can be easily abandoned. 


(9-5) The banquet - The banquet described in this chapter has some interesting parallels to the banquet Jesus described in one of his parables (Luke 14:15-24). In his parable, many were invited but never made it to the celebration because they got sidetracked by other activities that seemed more important at the time. Don't let anything become more important than your pursuit of God and your search for his wisdom. 

(9:1-5) The Seven Pillars - The seven pillars are figurative; they do not represent seven specifically known principles of wisdom. In the Bible, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Therefore, this verse poetically states that wisdom lacks nothing--it is complete and perfect. 

(9:7-10)  Scorners - Are you a scorner or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Instead of replying with a quick put-down or clever retort when rebuked, listen to what others tell you. Learn from those who correct you; this is the path to wisdom. Ignore the initial sting of embarrassment and look for helpful ideas. Wisdom begins with getting to know God. He gives insight into how we should live because he created life. To know God means more than just knowing the facts about him; you must respect his mighty power and cultivate a relationship with him. Do you really want to be wise? Get to know God better and better. (See James 1:5 and 2 Peter 12-4 for more on how to become wise.) 

(9:14-17) Wickedness' Path - Wickedness has a hypnotic and intoxicating quality about it. One sin leads us to want more; sinful behavior seems more exciting than the disciplines of the Christian life. That is why many people put aside all thought of Wisdom's sumptuous banquet (9:1-5) in order to eat the stolen food of Folly (foolishness. Don't be deceived--sin corrupts and destroys. Before reaching for the forbidden fruit, take a long look at what happens to those who eat it. 


Dave Burnette's Life Application

A Good Foundation


Each day we walk through the Bible chapter by chapter making an application of our text to help us grow in the Lord. Many applications can be made from each day's text. Today, we continue with the Book of Proverbs with Chapter 9. In our text today, we see how Wisdom is its reward as it is a foundation we build. Our text points out that the fear, or reverence, of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom and the Foundation on which we build our lives. In applying, we see that putting God first is how we build all things in our lives. From spiritual, relational, financial, etc., this Foundation of putting God first will allow us to stand no matter what life throws at us. How about you? Do you put God first? Let us learn from our text today to remember to put God first and to fear Him, as He is the Foundation on which we build a successful, happy, fulfilling Christian life.

 

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Proverbs 9

Proverbs 9

 1Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

 2She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

 3She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,

 4Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

 5Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

 6Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.

 7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

 8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

 9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

 11For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.

 12If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.

 13A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.

 14For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

 15To call passengers who go right on their ways:

 16Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

 17Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

 18But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.