Proverbs Chapter 9

Wisdom’s Invitation

9:1 Wisdom has built her house, she has carved out her seven*This chapter contrasts the benefit to those who follow the wisdom of Torah with the harm to those who are lured by the enticements of idol worship (Rabbeinu Bachya). – From the Artscroll English Tanach pillars:
9:2 She has butchered her animals; she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table*Her lessons are prepared and she is ready to teach (Rashi). – From the Artscroll English Tanach.
9:3 She has sent out her servant-girls: to announce on the city heights,
9:4 Whoever is ignorant, let him turn in here! As for him that lacks [an understanding] heart, she says to him,
9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [that] I have mixed.
9:6 Leave [your ways], O simple ones, and live; and go in the wayבְּדֶרֶךְ
Transliteration:ba dereḵ Pronunciation:bah deh’-rek way, Hebrew Noun: Common Both Singular Construct – in the road, in the distance, in the journey, in the manner, in the path, in the direction For more info click here of understanding.
9:7 Whoever corrects the scoffer gets shame for himself: and he that reprimands the wicked [acquires] a blemish.
9:8 Don’t reprove a scorner, or he’ll hate you: correct a wise man, and he will love you.
9:9 Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will become even wiser: teach a the righteous [man]לְצַדִּיק‎
Transliteration lᵊṣadîq To do what is right Tzadik is also the root of the word tzedakah (‘charity’, literally ‘righteousness’). Just, justice, rightness just:—just, lawful, righteous (man), righteousness – For more info click here, and he will add [to his] learning.
9:10 The beginning of wisdom is fear of YAHWEH יְהֹוָה‎
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here: and the knowledge of the sacred קְדֹשִׁים‎
Transliteration qᵊḏōšîm – Hebrew Adjective: Adjective Masculine Plural Absolute – sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), angels, saints, sanctuaries:—holy (Ones), saints For more info click here [is] understanding.
9:11 Because through me your days will be increased, and years will be added to your life.
9:12 If you have become wise, you have become wise for yourself: and if you have scoff, you alone will bear [it].
9:13 A foolish woman is loud: [she is] simple, and doesn’t know anything.
9:14 Because she sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the heights of the city,
9:15 To call out to passersby who go straight on their ways:

The error of foolishness

9:16 Whoever is a simpleton, let him turn in here: As for him that lacks [understanding] heart, she says to him,
9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.
9:18 But he doesn’t know that the dead are there; and that those she invites are in the deepest graveשְׁאוֹל‎
Transliteration: šᵊ’ôl Pronunciation: sheh-ole’ underworld, grave, hell, pit For more info click here.