91 Wisdom has built her house , She has hewn out her seven pillars ; 2 She has prepared her food , she has mixed her wine ; She has also set her table ; 3 She has sent out her maidens , she calls From the tops of the heights of the city : 4 " Whoever is naive , let him turn in here !" To him who lacks understanding she says , 5 "Come , eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed . 6 "Forsake your folly and live , And proceed in the way of understanding ." 7 He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. 8 Do not reprove a scoffer , or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser , Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning . 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom , And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding . 11 For by me your days will be multiplied , And years of life will be added to you. 12 If you are wise , you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff , you alone will bear it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 9:1-12
Commentary on Proverbs 9:1-12
(Read Proverbs 9:1-12)
Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. The call is general, and shuts out none that do not shut out themselves. Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom. There is no true wisdom but in the way of religion, no true life but in the end of that way. Here is the happiness of those that embrace it. A man cannot be profitable to God; it is for our own good. Observe the shame and ruin of those who slight it. God is not the Author of sin: and Satan can only tempt, he cannot force. Thou shalt bear the loss of that which thou scornest: it will add to thy condemnation.