15. Fifteenth admonitory discourse, containing in a parabolic form an invitation of Wisdom ( Proverbs 9:1-12 ), and that of her rival Folly ( Proverbs 9:13-18 ). The chapter sums up in brief the warnings of the preceding part. read more
She hath killed her beasts. So in the parable of the marriage of the king's son ( Matthew 22:1-46 ; which is parallel to the present), the king sends his servants to notify the guests that the oxen and fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Wisdom has stores of nourishment for understanding and affection; and Christ has offered himself as a Victim in our behalf, and now makes bounteous offers of grace, and especially has ordained the sacrament of the Lord's Supper for the... read more
She hath sent forth her maidens, as in Matthew 22:3 , to call them that were bidden to the feast. The Septuagint has τοὺς ἑαυτῆς δούλους , "her servants," but the Authorized Version is correct, and feminine attendants are in strict harmony with the rest of the apologue. By them are represented the apostles and preachers and ministers, who go forth to win souls for Christ. St. Gregory sees in their being called "maidens" an intimation that they are in themselves weak and abject, and... read more
Proverbs 9:1. Wisdom, &c. Wisdom here, under a most splendid allegory, is represented “as a queen, sitting in her royal palace, and inviting mortals to a banquet, plentifully furnished with the richest dainties, that they may be fed with celestial delights for a blessed immortality. Various have been the endeavours of commentators to apply every circumstance in this description; but it has been well observed, that whoever would do so, will find themselves in a great error, and quite... read more
Proverbs 9:2. She hath killed her beasts That is, made provision for her guests: namely, instruction in things the most important, satisfying, improving, and consolatory truths, declarations, and promises; refreshing, cheering, and exhilarating discoveries and communications. If applied to the church of Christ, it signifies the ordinances and means of edification appointed therein, with the gifts, graces, and comforts, and the spiritual and eternal blessings which God hath prepared for his... read more
Proverbs 9:3. She hath sent forth her maidens Her servants, to invite the guests, namely, the ministers of the word of God, whom he calls maidens, for the decency of the parable; for Wisdom being compared to a great princess, it was fit she should be attended on by maidens. She crieth upon the highest places Upon the tops of the houses, (which were flat,) conformably to what our Lord says, Matthew 10:7, What ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. Or, from such high... read more
Invitations from ‘Wisdom’ and ‘Folly’ (9:1-18)Wisdom is again personified in a gracious lady. This time she invites the silly and the ignorant to a great feast that she has prepared in her magnificent house. She wants them to come and enjoy the life-giving gifts of wisdom and discernment that she freely offers (9:1-6).Whether people desire wisdom depends largely upon the character they have developed in themselves over the years. When people grow conceited in their opinions and blind to their... read more
Wisdom. Plural as in Proverbs 1:20 ; Proverbs 9:1 , and Proverbs 14:1 . read more
mingled. Compare Isaiah 5:22 . Not with water but with spices. wine. Hebrew. yayin. App-27 . read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 9:1-6
The Divine invitation Wisdom invites the sons of men to a feast. Christ, "the Wisdom of God," is inviting us all to partake of eternal life. A feast may well be regarded as the picture and type of life at its fullest. It combines so many of the best features of human life—bounty generously offered and graciously accepted, nourishment, enjoyment, social intercourse, intellectual and spiritual as well as bodily gratification. In the gospel of Christ there is offered to us life at its very... read more