12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth.
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
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Commentary on Proverbs 9 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
CHAPTER 9
Pr 9:1-18. The commendation of wisdom is continued, under the figure of a liberal host, and its provisions under that of a feast (compare Lu 14:16-24). The character of those who are invited is followed by a contrasted description of the rejectors of good counsel; and with the invitations of wisdom are contrasted the allurement of the wicked woman.
1. house—(compare Pr 8:34).
her—or, "its" (the house).
seven pillars—the number seven for many, or a sufficiency (Pr 6:31).
2. mingled—to enhance the flavor (Pr 23:30; Isa 5:22).
furnished—literally, "set out," "arranged."
3. maidens—servants to invite (compare Ps 68:11; Isa 40:9).
highest places—ridges of heights, conspicuous places.
4-6. (Compare Pr 1:4; 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.
7, 8. shame—(Compare Pr 3:35).
a blot—or, "stain on character." Both terms denote the evil done by others to one whose faithfulness secures a wise man's love.
9. The more a wise man learns, the more he loves wisdom.
10. (Compare Pr 1:7).
of the holy—literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This knowledge gives right perception.
11. (Compare Pr 3:16-18; 4:10).
12. You are mainly concerned in your own conduct.
13. foolish woman—or literally, "woman of folly," specially manifested by such as are described.
clamorous—or, "noisy" (Pr 7:11).
knoweth nothing—literally, "knoweth not what," that is, is right and proper.
14. on a seat—literally, "throne," takes a prominent place, impudently and haughtily.
15, 16. to allure those who are right-minded, and who are addressed as in Pr 9:4, as
simple—that is, easily led (Pr 1:4) and unsettled, though willing to do right.
17. The language of a proverb, meaning that forbidden delights are sweet and pleasant, as fruits of risk and danger.
18. (Compare Pr 2:18, 19; 7:27).