Proverbs 9

Proverbs 9:1-18

Food for the Journey – Proverbs 9:1-18 gives us our final call for the journey by inviting us to dine at the table that wisdom has prepared for us. In this banquet we receive our calling, which is to eat the bread and the wine (Proverbs 9:5). We know that this bread and wine ultimately represent the broken body and blood of the Lord Jesus Christ when He gave His life on Calvary, which gives us access to walk in fellowship with the Father. Thus, in Proverbs 9:5 we receive our divine calling, which is to walk in fellowship with the Father, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for the Church, and under the Old Covenant, it is through the words of divine wisdom. Therefore, in this final chapter of preparation, we will revisit the two types of wisdom that man can find in this life: the wisdom of God (Proverbs 9:1-12) and the wisdom of this world (Proverbs 9:13-18). These two types of wisdom are personified in this chapter as two women. The journey is long, so wisdom now prepares food for this journey. This chapter gives the simple one an invitation to dine from the table of blessing prepared by wisdom (Proverbs 9:2), or to accept the invitation of the wisdom of this world, personified as the foolish woman (Proverbs 9:17). We can choose the table of blessings (Proverbs 9:1-5) or the trap of death (Proverbs 9:18). This is the same call that Moses gave to the children of Israel as they were preparing for their journey into the Promised Land. They could choose life or death, blessing or cursing (Deuteronomy 30:19). Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” Moses made this declaration because the children of Israel were about to embark upon a journey that they had never been on before (Joshua 3:4). Joshua 3:4, “Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.” God wanted them to know that they could find the path of blessings if they would pursue His holy commandments, which represents the voice of wisdom. Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. Wisdom’s Invitation to Dine — Proverbs 9:1-62. Fools Reject this Food — Proverbs 9:7-83. Those Who Fear God Receive this Food — Proverbs 9:9-124. Invitation From the Foolish Woman to Dine — Proverbs 9:13-18 Divine Wisdom and Earthly Wisdom Contrasted in the New Testament - We will find a similar contrast of divine wisdom and earthly wisdom, though not personified, in several New Testament passages (1 Corinthians 2:4-7, James 3:13-18). 1 Corinthians 2:4-7, “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:” James 3:13-18, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

Proverbs 9:7-8

Fools Reject this Food – Proverbs 9:7-9 tells us that wisdom is not for fools, for they will reject it when it is placed before them (Proverbs 9:7-8). This is food only for the wise man (Proverbs 9:9-12). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Proverbs 9:7 — Comments - Evil men hate those who try to correct them. Illustrations: Genesis 19:7-9 - Lot tried to correct the Sodomites, and they turned against lot for evil. 1 Kings 18:17; 1 Kings 21:20 - Ahab hates Elijah’s report. 1 Kings 22:24 - The false prophet scorns the prophet of God, Micaiah and smote him on the cheek. 1 Kings 22:27 - The evil king also put Micaiah in prison for speaking God’s Words. 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 - King Joash has Zechariah, God’s prophet, stoned. 2 Chronicles 25:15-16 - King Amaziah refuses the words from God by His prophet. 2 Chronicles 36:16 - A summary of how Israel rejected and misused God’s prophets. Scripture References - Note similar verses: Proverbs 9:8, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” Proverbs 15:12, “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” Proverbs 23:9, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” Matthew 7:6, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Proverbs 9:8 — Comments - In Matthew 7:1-6 Jesus teaches us about judging our neighbour. We are to avoid being critical of our neighbour (Proverbs 7:1-4). Instead, we are to live a lifestyle of godliness so that we can speak words of wisdom and advice into the lives of others (Proverbs 7:5). If they reject what we have to offer, we are not to push Christian teachings into their face, lest they become offended at God’s Word and further bring judgment upon themselves (Proverbs 7:6). Rather, we are to discern their hearts and help those who will accept our ministry (Proverbs 7:6). This is why Paul wrote to the church at Corinth and told them that he that is spiritual is to judge (or discern) all things while not being found guilty of sin and judged by others (1 Corinthians 2:15). That is, we are supposed to live a godly lifestyle without sin by being mature enough to be able to discern between good and evil in our lives as well as those around us. 1 Corinthians 2:15, “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.” Solomon made a similar statement in Proverbs 9:8, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” We are to correct those who are in error. If they are rebellious, the burden to correct them is not upon us. However, we are to have enough discernment to recognize when someone is receptive to correction, and offer such in a spirit of love. Solomon as well said, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6) If we speak the truth in love when correcting others, we may initially wound someone’s heart, but such wounds in the lives of the humble will quickly heal. Illustration - The king of Israel hated Micaiah for his true prophecy from God. 1 Kings 22:8, “And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.” Scripture References - Note similar verses: Proverbs 23:9, “Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.” Proverbs 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Matthew 7:6, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

Proverbs 9:9-12

Those who Fear God Receive this Food - Wisdom is for those who fear God and not for the fool. This platter will serve instruction, teaching, learning and the fear of the Lord. Its dessert will be a sound mind, a long life and prosperity. Proverbs 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 — Comments - In his book The Call Rick Joyner is told, “Obedience in the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, but the fullness of wisdom is to obey because of your love for God.”[74] For example, when I was a child, I ate my vegetables out of fear of punishment. Today, I eat them because I have grown to love them. [74] Rick Joyner, The Call (Charlotte, North Carolina: Morning Star Publications, 1999), 61.Proverbs 9:10 — Comments - Proverbs 9:10 is a signpost on the journey. The first nine chapters of Proverbs have been for preparing for the journey, thus the beginning of wisdom. This lengthy passage opens and closes with this verse. Note: Proverbs 1:7, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. Proverbs 9:12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. Proverbs 9:12 — Comments - We find a similar statement in Revelation 22:1, which tells us that we alone will bear our rewards. We cannot get these blessings or go to Heaven on the faith of others. Revelation 22:11, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

Proverbs 9:13-18

Invitation From the Foolish Woman to Dine – Proverbs 9:13-17 gives us the final call of the foolish woman to come and dine. This passage also gives wisdom’s final warning before the journey begins (Proverbs 9:18). Why would the lengthy introduction of Proverbs 1-9 spend so much time describing and warning the readers about the harlot, both here and in Proverbs 6:20 to Proverbs 7:27? Perhaps because this is the one area that trapped and deceived Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived. It is one of the areas that most often trap young men. Proverbs 9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. Proverbs 9:14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, Proverbs 9:15 To call passengers who go right on their ways: Proverbs 9:16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Proverbs 9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. Proverbs 9:17 — “Stolen waters are sweet” – Comments - Something stolen is something that violates God’s divine laws. A person breaks the law by stealing. Thus, when we chose to pursue the things of this world by violating God’s divine laws of sowing and reaping, we get things that are “stolen”, or we get things that have been obtained illegally. Most sources of water came from wells, which belonged to individuals. Therefore, these wells were sources of strife and contention with those who claimed the ownership. This verse alludes to the fact that stolen water was sweeter than water from common wells that was gotten without difficulty. Illustration: Genesis 26:19-22, “And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water. And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” Proverbs 9:17 — “and bread eaten in secret is pleasant” - Word Study on “bread” - Strong says the Hebrew word “bread” (μֶ ?ηֶ ?ν) (H3899) means, “food, bread, grain.”Word Study on “eaten in secret” – The Hebrew word “eaten in secret” is (ρְ ?ϊָ ?ψִ ?ιν), the plural of (ρֵ ?ϊֶ ?ψ) (H5643), and it means, “covering.” The Enhanced Strong says it is used 36 times in the Old Testament, being translated in the KJV as, “secret 12, secretly 9, covert 5, secret place 3, hiding place 2, backbiting 1, covering 1, disguiseth 1, privily 1, protection 1.”Comments - The Hebrew phrase literally reads, “bread of secret (is) pleasant,” thus “hidden bread is pleasant.” NIV, “food eaten in secret” Rotherham, “a secret mean” A most basic meal would consist of bread and water, which are both mentioned in this verse. The meal is figurative of devouring substance that belongs to someone else. Thus being stolen, it had to be devoured in secret. Proverbs 9:17 — Comments - Proverbs 9:17 is simply saying that sin brings pleasure to the fleshly makeup of man, but only for a season, until divine judgment comes. The author of Hebrews calls it “the pleasures of sin,” which is but for a season (Hebrews 11:25). Hebrews 11:25, “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” Proverbs 20:17 tells us that same thing, that the bread of deceit is sweet at first, but brings its bitter rewards at a later date. Proverbs 20:17, “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.” This meal is offered to those who refuse to dine with wisdom in Proverbs 9:1-6. This meal is for the fool, though he does not know that it will cause him death. It is interesting to note that Satan is constantly trying to get mankind to seek things without following the divine laws of sowing and reaping. Satan makes people think that they can violate God’s laws and get by with it, but God’s laws work to being judgment as well as blessings. Note that wisdom invites us to dine on meat and wine, which is the food of a king. When we serve the Lord, He gives us His best. In contrast, the foolish woman can only offer simple bread and water. The world cannot offer us the best because it is not able to match the blessings that God gives His children. Therefore, the strange woman tells us that her meal is pleasant and good. The world packages its meal to look attractive, when in fact, it is simple and unfulfilling. The world calls its meals “stolen” and “sweet” in order to add an appeal to something that lacks appeal. This is deceitful bread and water, and not the water that God gives so we will never thirst again. Proverbs 9:17 — Illustration - As a college student, I attended the University of Florida in central Florida. On day in 1977, on a long trip returning from Miami to Gainesville, we pulled over by the side of the road, ran into an orange grove, and filled the back of the car with stolen oranges. As a youth, it was exciting to have stolen something and eaten it secretly in our apartment back on campus. We even purchased an automatic orange juice squeezer to make orange juice from all of those oranges that we could not eat. It would have been cheaper for us to have gone to the grocery store and bought the orange juice. But the thrill of an adventure was in our hearts, and consuming “stolen waters” was more exciting. As in the Garden of Eden, the forbidden fruit appears more tasty that the fruit of all of the other trees which were freely given to Adam and Eve. Proverbs 9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. Proverbs 9:18 — Comments - If we will just go out her back door and look into her backyard, it will be found to be a graveyard and not the paradise of pleasure that she has promised. Illustration - The billboard along the road in Kampala, Uganda advertises Nile Beer. It shows the picture of a bottle of beer with a pretty girl standing beside it. The idea is to get men to purchase such beer believing that this lifestyle brings pretty girls. The trick is to repackage the offer of “bread and water” so that it appeals to the passions of such men. So, these deceived men go to the nightclubs and drink this beer while looking for such women. Some women attend these nightclubs hoping to find a relationship with a man; but relationships are far from the mind of these men.

In the newspaper, an article describes one lady returning home late one night from such a club. She was assaulted outside her home and raped as a result of the men she had been hanging out with at the club. However, this nightclub did not want its named mentioned in the newspaper that described this tragedy, since it will hurt its reputation. This game is played out every day in a society. The “strange woman” markets her goods by repackaging them into an attractive offer, so that her victims do not know that it leads to the depths of hell. Proverbs 9:18 — Illustration - The end of Samson began when he went in to the harlot. Judges 16:1, “Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.” Conclusion to Proverbs 1:1 to Proverbs 9:18 - Why is this section the longest one in the book of Proverbs? Perhaps the reason lies in the fact that man’s daily walk in wisdom requires him to constantly recognize and hear wisdom’s call in order to make the right decisions each day. In a similar way, the longest section in the book of Ecclesiastes is the section on indoctrination, which lists practical wisdom to fear God (Proverbs 7:1 to Proverbs 11:8), since the underlying theme of the book is the keeping of God’s commandments in the fear of the Lord. Thus, the Preacher takes the time to list these commandments.