Proverbs 9

By thissmallgroup, October 9, 2019

This chapter continues the comparison between two women, Wisdom and Folly. The chapter starts by promising that Wisdom will lead to a long life, while Folly leads to death. King Solomon describes the differences in their homes and their ways of hosting. Wisdom sends out servants, Folly sits at her doorway, and both call out: “Let all who are simple come to my house!” However, those who come to the different houses will receive different gifts; those who answer Wisdom’s call will receive meat and wine she’s prepared for them, whereas those at Folly’s table will be given stolen water and secret food.

Chapter 9 also provides practical advice for dealing with the people in our lives who mock us in any way. It’s a fact of life that people will make fun of and tease believers (John 16:33), but Solomon warns us not to engage with their mockery. Anyone who tries to correct the mockers will only open herself to more insults and abuse. To save our time and our energy, Solomon advises to only correct the wise, the ones who truly want to improve, as they’ll be grateful for the correction.

Verses 7-9: “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”

Verse 10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”