A Bible study of Proverbs Chapter 9. Bible verses: Proverbs 9 @ Bible Gateway.
In Proverbs, Wisdom is ultimately exemplified by and fulfilled in the life Jesus Christ.
But in the first several chapters of the book, wisdom is also personified as a woman. See Proverbs 1:20-33; 3:13-19; 4:1-8; 7:4; and 8:1-36. Folly is also figuratively seen as the “strange woman” in Proverbs 2:16-19; 5:1-23; 6:24-35 and 7:5-27. (Note: The figurative does not lessen the warnings against committing actual adultery, fornication and idolatry.) Imagine if you will a father talking to his adolescent son about the choice between wisdom and folly in the context of his hormonal-driven favorite topic of discussion: women. This is Solomon after all!
The contrast between these two women culminates in this chapter… just prior to the beginning of the long tapestry of individual proverbial sayings collected in chapters 10 – 31.
The lady Wisdom in verses Prov 9:1-12; the harlot Folly in Prov 9:13 – 18.
The Location: the high places of the city – vs. 3 & 14. Wisdom is at the “highest”; Folly is close by.
For where God built a church, there the Devil would also build a chapel. — Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) Table Talk
The Audience: the simple who are searching for understanding – vs. 4 & 16
The Invitation: let him turn in here, come to me – vs. 4 & 16
The Enticement: bread – vs. 5 & 17. Teachings, doctrine, or philosophy: See also Matthew 16:5-12 and John 6:26- 58.
Wisdom also offers mingled wine. (Mark 2:21-22) Folly also offers stolen waters, in secrecy and privacy, as a pleasant substitution for living waters. (John 7:37-38) Examine the source.
The Consequence: life or death – vs. 6 & 18. Examine the fruit.
Choose one. Choose wisely.
Lady Wisdom points the way thru the right door: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (v.10) So keep reading, studying, and meditating on the rest of Proverbs, and all of God’s word!
