Proverbs 9

1 her seven pillars. “Seven” was the number of completeness or perfection: see Rev. i. 4, and cp. James iii. 17. As the beloved daughter of the Universal King, Wisdom builds her royal pavilion (1), provides a magnificent banquet, and publicly invites all who are inclined to partake of it (2-5): cp. Matt. xxii. 2, 3; Luke xiv. 16, 17.

2 she hath mingled her wine. Either flavouring it with spices, or diluting it with water.

3 she crieth. By means of her messengers. 6 Forsake the foolish. Or, “Leave off [your folly], ye simple ones.”

shame. Or, “reproach”; i.e., shameful and insulting treatment; so that wisdom is necessary to teach us when and to whom reproof should be given.

10 the knowledge of the holy. Rather, “of the Moss Holy” (“the Holy One,” R.V.).

12 thou shalt be wise for thyself. That is, the advantage will be thine own.

thou alone shalt bear it. Neither personal responsibility nor the penalties of transgression can be shifted on others: see Ezek. xviii. 1-22.

13. A foolish woman, etc. Some translators read “Folly,” an abstraction personified, in contrast with Wisdom (R.V. marg.).

16. Whoso is simple, etc. Imitating the language of religion (see ver. 4); as the tempter has done in every age.

17. Stolen waters are sweet. This proverb has peculiar force in Eastern countries, where water is often scarce and dear.

18. But he knoweth not that the dead are there. The “Rephaim” (the dead) and “Sheol,” are, as it were, in the background of the tempting scene: and the sudden transition from sin’s delights to its punishment makes this closing warning most forcible.