Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

THE FEASTS OF WISDOM AND FOLLY CONTRASTED

(Proverbs 9:1-18)

The Feast of Wisdom

Verses 1-6 portray wisdom as having built a large and well constructed house to which she invites certain people for a feast:

1) The provisions for the feast are substantial, Vs. 2.

2) She has made a determined effort to invite guests, sending forth her servants, and going herself to the highest places to call out the invitation, Vs. 3; Matthew 22:3-4; Luke 14:16-17; Luke 14:23.

3) Special appeal is made to the simple and those who lack understanding, Vs. 4.

4) The invitation is generous, without price; come, eat, drink, Vs. 5; Isaiah 55:1-2; John 6:27.

5) The invitation is for more than a feast, offering a new and better life, Vs. 6; Ruth 1:16; Ruth 2:11-12; Hebrews 11:31; Joshua 6:25.

Was and Foolish Responses to Wisdom

Verses 7-9 reveal the different responses of the wicked and the wise to the corrective teaching of wisdom. The examples cited suggest that the longer one follows folly or wisdom the more or less he will tolerate criticism. If rebuked the wicked will respond with abuse (shame) and hatred. The wise will get wiser, increase in learning and will love the instructive rebuker. The lesson seems to be; learn to accept and profit from justifiable correction. It will make you wiser and more congenial, Vs. 8, 9;Proverbs 19:25; Proverbs 25:12; Psalms 141:5.

Verse 10a repeats a key teaching of Proverbs that the beginning of wisdom is a right relationship with the LORD, a relationship that begets a worshipping and submissive reverence for Him, See Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 15:33; Psalms 111:10; Job 28:28;

Verse 10b refers to knowledge of the Holy One, the title Isaiah used so often for God.

Verse 11 declares that long life is bestowed by wisdom, Proverbs 3:13-16; Deuteronomy 32:46-47.

Verse 12 emphasizes the fact of individual responsibility. Examples and actions of others may influence one’s life, but the ultimate loser or gainer is the individual himself, Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 14:12; Galatians 6:5.

The six closing verses present a contrast of the evils of the foolish woman with the virtues of wisdom set forth in the first six verses of this chapter:

1) The foolish woman has her house, but it is not the splendid structure of seven pillars builded by wisdom, Vs. 1 and 14.

2) She sitteth at the door to entice the passersby, Vs. 14 and 15.

3) She seeks the simple and persons lacking understanding that wisdom also seeks, Vs. 4 and 16; Proverbs 1:20; Proverbs 1:22-23; Proverbs 8:1; Proverbs 8:5.

4) But her purpose is evil. She suggests as did the adul­teress of Proverbs 7:18-19 that forbidden pleasure practiced in secret is more enjoyable; and if done in secret, no one will know, Vs. 17; Proverbs 20:17. ,

5) Verse 18 - reveals the reality that there is no escape from the eye of God; and that He has declared a severe penalty for this sin, Proverbs 2:18; Proverbs 5:5; Proverbs 7:27; Psalms 139:12; Job 34:22; Amos 9:2-3.