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).
