Proverbs 9 Commentary

These are the proverbs of Solomon, one of the most renowned kings in the history of Israel. The word translated “proverb” is the Hebrew word “mashal.” The root of the word contains the idea of “compare”—it is translated throughout Scripture as “parable” just as often as “proverb.”

This gives us some insight into the nature of these sayings. Proverbs are not prescriptions. It is not about a formula for how to manipulate circumstances and bend them to our will. That might be wishful thinking, but doesn’t work in reality. The proverbs are, in a sense, “comparing” our human perceptions to the reality of God’s world; trying to connect the two by providing principles that shape our perspective and inform our choices such that we live constructively—that is to say, wisely.

Like parables, the proverbs are meant to guide us “to wisdom”, that is, into a way of living. A way of thinking and perceiving. It is about molding and shaping our perceptions, values, and character into something that is consistently in tune with God, not just as a rule-follower but as someone who understands and practices the essence of the divine. One who sees the world through God’s eyes, and acts accordingly.

Ecclesiastes might be thought of as a philosophical foundation for wisdom. It shows the way to properly view the many aspects of life we cannot control, the “hebel” or vaporous nature of all that surrounds us. The main thing Ecclesiastes shows us is the importance of choosing to trust God, and make good choices based on that trust.

Proverbs will reiterate the philosophical foundations of Ecclesiastes, then zoom in and expand upon the practical application of trusting God and choosing a true perspective within certain areas of life. Proverbs leads us to choose a true perspective in all areas of life, and creates a foundation from which we can choose actions that are constructive, beneficial, and fulfilling.

There are only three things we control in life: who we trust, our perspective, and what we do—our actions. Ecclesiastes makes this reality abundantly clear. Trying to control what we cannot leads to complete futility. Trusting God, however, provides a foundation for constructive living. Proverbs teaches us how best to steward the choices we have—how to trust God, how to choose His perspective, and the key actions to take that lead us to the path of wisdom.

In Chapter 9, Solomon gives a direct juxtaposition between the way of folly and the way of Wisdom. The ways of Wisdom are described in verses 1-6 and the ways of folly in verses 13-18. In the middle, verses 7-12, there is a strong and direct description of the differences between these two paths, with “the fear of the Lord” the focal point of that distinction.

In the first third of this chapter, Lady Wisdom is seen building her house at the very top of the city (the place of prominence and visibility), constructing her sturdy and grand dwelling (complete with seven pillars). She is preparing food and wine, setting a table for a communal meal. With the preparations ready, she calls out for the naïve (untrained novices) to turn in and join her at the table she has prepared.

In the latter third of the chapter, the woman of Folly is unabashedly stealing many of Wisdom’s tactics. Her house is “near” the top of the city, she is looking to intercept those who might otherwise land at Lady Wisdom’s table. She calls out to the impressionable.

But Folly’s message reveals that she is not like Wisdom at all. Whereas wisdom invites others to a table she has prepared, Folly promotes hoarding, thievery, and isolation. Wisdom offers wine and food as symbols of life, to be enjoyed in fellowship with one another. Folly suggests food and wine (symbols of life) are meant to be consumed in secrecy.

The way of Folly leads to death and the way of Wisdom to life, abundant and eternal.

The heart of Chapter 9 is the middle third (vv 7-12). In it, Solomon says wisdom is the key to abundance. It adds quality (and sometimes quantity) to life. Wisdom serves our best interest. Folly’s mimicking ways are a perversion. They are untrue and ineffective. And those who reject the message of Wisdom are committing themselves to the danger of Folly’s path. The way back begins with fearing the Lord, heeding the instruction of Wisdom’s messengers and turning away from Folly into the dwelling of Wisdom, which has been carefully prepared for us.

The Bible Project - Proverbs Summary