91 Wisdom hath builded her house, She hath hewn out her pillars—seven. 2 She hath slaughtered her slaughter, She hath mingled her wine, Yea, she hath arranged her table. 3 She hath sent forth her damsels, She crieth on the tops of the high places of the city: 4 'Who 'is' simple? let him turn aside hither.' Whoso lacketh heart: she hath said to him, 5 'Come, eat of my bread, And drink of the wine I have mingled. 6 Forsake ye, the simple, and live, And be happy in the way of understanding. 7 The instructor of a scorner Is receiving for it—shame, And a reprover of the wicked—his blemish. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee, Give reproof to the wise, and he loveth thee. 9 Give to the wise, and he is wiser still, Make known to the righteous, And he increaseth learning. 10 The commencement of wisdom 'is' the fear of Jehovah, And a knowledge of the Holy Ones 'is' understanding. 11 For by me do thy days multiply, And added to thee are years of life. 12 If thou hast been wise, thou hast been wise for thyself, And thou hast scorned—thyself bearest 'it'.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 9:1-12
Commentary on Proverbs 9:1-12
(Read Proverbs 9:1-12)
Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. The call is general, and shuts out none that do not shut out themselves. Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom. There is no true wisdom but in the way of religion, no true life but in the end of that way. Here is the happiness of those that embrace it. A man cannot be profitable to God; it is for our own good. Observe the shame and ruin of those who slight it. God is not the Author of sin: and Satan can only tempt, he cannot force. Thou shalt bear the loss of that which thou scornest: it will add to thy condemnation.