Proverbs 9:1-18
This chapter paints a vivid picture of Wisdom as a master builder, crafting a house, preparing a lavish feast, and sending out her maidens to invite all to partake. Whether you’re seeking to build a thriving church, a God-honoring business, or a blessed family life, this chapter offers timeless insights to guide you.
Let’s explore Proverbs 9 together:
Watch the Proverbs 9 Bible study video to learn more or continue reading below.
Wisdom Builds Her House (1)
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: -Proverbs 9:1
Built her house: The true church is built on the Word of God, the source of all wisdom. Not feel-good or one-verse sermons, but in-depth Bible study taught chapter by chapter, verse by verse. That’s how Wisdom builds her house and raises disciples. That’s the kind of teaching that creates a true church and fosters real spiritual growth.
Want to build a business that serves others and glorifies God? Ground it in the principles of the Word of God, built with Godly wisdom! The same applies to families—wisdom is what builds for success.
Pillars: But what are these pillars? In Revelation 3:12, Jesus promises that the overcomers will be designated as pillars in the temple of God in New Jerusalem.
This idea of pillars related to leadership isn’t new. Paul called Peter, James, and John “pillars” of the early church for their foundational leadership (Galatians 2:9). In 1 Timothy 3:15, the church itself is described as the “pillar and ground of the truth.” Similarly, in Exodus 24:4, Moses set up twelve pillars at Mt. Sinai to represent the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing their role as supports for God’s covenant in the world.
Watch: Pushing Down Pillars of Wickedness | Prophecy
Hewn Out: Wisdom doesn’t just set up pillars; she hews them, carefully shaping and forming her leaders. What she does here is a model for building a church, a God-honoring business, or a righteous family. Invest time in shaping leaders—training and preparing them—and invest time in raising your children to be disciples of the kingdom of God.
Seven: Why seven pillars? Well, in Scripture, the number “seven” represents perfection or spiritual completeness. It’s such a profound number to God that He uses it 54 times in the Book of Revelation—think seven churches, seven angels, seven seals, seven trumpets, seven thunders, and seven vials. So many things seem to revolve around that number. Wisdom’s house is no exception.
Another possibility? The seven pillars could represent seven qualities of wisdom, as seen in Scripture (See Isaiah 11:2):
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
- Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”).
- Knowledge (Proverbs 2:6).
- Understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6).
- Counsel (Proverbs 12:15).
- Prudence/Discernment (Proverbs 15:5).
- Instruction (Proverbs 19:20).
- Discretion (Proverbs 2:11).
The Feast of Truth (2)
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. –Proverbs 9:2
Killed her beasts: After building her house, the first thing Wisdom does is offer sacrifices to God.
Mingled Her Wine: She then prepares wine. No, she doesn’t just serve plain wine—she mingles it with spices for rich flavor, ensuring it is the best, full of life and taste! Similarly, Bible study teachings should have flavor too. They should be engaging and relevant, spiced up in a way that applies God’s Word to our lives today.
Furnished Her Table: Next, Wisdom prepares a lavish feast, fully furnishing her table for her guests. Doesn’t this all remind us of Jesus, the Wisdom of God incarnate? In John 6:51-58, we see Jesus sacrificed Himself, offering His own flesh and blood so we might partake and have eternal life (think last supper and the new covenant). This Proverbs 9 Bible study shows that the feast symbolizes spiritual nourishment through God’s Word. Quite simply, Wisdom is providing a Bible Study!
Applying the Symbols: Let’s step back and unpack the meaning of this feast:
Feast = Bible study and fellowship, a time to gather and be nourished.
Meat = The Word of God, the sustenance of truth.
Wine = The Holy Spirit, bringing life and joy to our faith.
Wisdom’s Open Invitation (3-6)
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. -Proverbs 9:3-6
Sent forth her maidens: As we unravel the mystery of Wisdom’s house, the maidens here represent messengers carrying forth the gospel. You see, Wisdom doesn’t just build a sturdy home with seven pillars and wait for guests to arrive; she actively sends her maidens into the world to invite others to her feast. This speaks volumes! I used to think preparing and teaching a solid, line-by-line Bible study was enough, and people would naturally come. But that’s not always true. If it were, Wisdom wouldn’t have sent her maidens to call others to the table.
So, if our line-by-line Bible studies bless you, share the word! Could you tell others and spread the links to our studies? To date, we’ve completed 19 books of the Bible, taught chapter by chapter and verse by verse, available on YouTube with nearly 900 videos, including prophecy updates on various topics. The table is set, and the meat is ready. Now, we need to invite others to the feast!
Wisdom’s Actions:
- Builds a house
- Hews out seven pillars
- Offers sacrifices to God
- Prepares a feast
- Sends maidens to evangelize
Teach the Humble, Not the Scorner (7-9)
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. -Proverbs 9:7-9
Reproving a scorner: Wisdom advises her maidens not to waste their time on scorners. Instead, they are to spend their time and energy teaching those who are humble and willing to learn.
Increase in learning: This point is vital. Jesus didn’t just command us to save souls; the Great Commission includes making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The church should be wisdom’s house, a place where people can grow in knowledge and truth, not a daycare center where we tell people they are saved and give them a pacifier and a blanky.
The Foundation of Wisdom (10-12)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. –Proverbs 9:10-12
Fear of the Lord: If someone doesn’t take seriously the judgment of God, they will never be able to acquire Godly wisdom. It’s the first step. It is also the very thing the apostles started with when preaching the gospel. You are a dammed sinner and God will judge you to hell, but if you repent, believe in Christ, and change your ways, you can escape the judgment you deserve through faith in Christ. That’s the message here!
Life shall be increased: Wisdom can prolong your life, especially when you strive to follow the laws of God and make good decisions. But this statement is something even more. Wisdom will increase your quality of life, no matter how long it is. She will give you a life with meaning, purpose, and joy.
Shalt bear it: Scorning God and His Word only backfires on the scorner. It’s like choosing to carry a massive rock on your back. Why would anyone want to haul around that kind of a crushing burden?
The Trap of Foolishness (13-18)
A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing. For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, To call passengers who go right on their ways: Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell. -Proverbs 9:13-18
Foolish woman: Just like Wisdom, Foolishness has her own house, and she’s working hard to pull people in, competing with Wisdom. “Oh, come to our church and feel good, we have a great building, lights, and a wonderful band, let us learn about the love of Jesus”. Listen up, friends: this woman represents a fake church—one where wisdom and understanding are missing, one where the Bible isn’t taught line by line, chapter by chapter. That’s why she is called the “foolish woman”.
You know, I can ask someone who has been to church for 40-50 years, “What are your thoughts about Genesis 3:15, the first prophecy of the Bible?” And I guarantee you most will look at me like, “What are you talking about? I’ve never heard of the serpent seed”. How can they not know anything about the serpent seed prophecy when it is the book-end of the Bible! Not only is it the first prophecy, but it is also one of the last and plays a central role in everything that is happening in the world today.
I cite that as one example of how Biblically illiterate people are in many cases, even when they’ve been to church their whole life. Why do people keep following the foolish woman?
Stolen waters: Here’s the thing: fake churches often have and even read Bibles. But the problem is, they don’t teach the Bible in context. Instead, they grab bits and pieces of God’s Word, using them like bait to draw people in, acting like they’re offering wisdom, then twisting it with their own spin. Sound familiar? Even Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:5-6). Don’t think that just because someone quotes scripture, they are indeed a messenger of God, because many have stolen God’s words to use for their own selfish purposes.
The dead are there: He’s clueless. He thinks he’s in God’s house, Wisdom’s house, but instead, he’s surrounded by the dead—spirits of the departed (the Raphiam), not the living. Not a place where we want to be my friends. Enter into Wisdom’s house and forsake the foolish woman!
Follow Wisdom’s Example
Proverbs 9 shows Wisdom building a solid house, serving a feast of God’s truth, and inviting everyone to join. Her seven pillars—like the Fear of the Lord and understanding—guide us to build a strong church, God-honoring business, or blessed family.
But watch out for Foolishness! Her fake house twists God’s Word and leads to spiritual ruin.
Choose Wisdom, study the Bible line by line, and share our studies—19 completed books and nearly 900 videos—with others.
Come to Wisdom’s table and build a life of faith that lasts!
How to Follow Wisdom’s Example
- Build: Set aside time daily to study God’s Word line by line.
- Hew Pillars: Mentor a friend or family member in biblical principles.
- Prepare the Feast: Host a Bible study group to share spiritual nourishment.
- Invite Others: Share our verse-by-verse studies (like this one!) on X or with your friends.
What’s your favorite lesson from Proverbs 9? Share below!