Wisdom or Folly

Chapter 9 closes the first section of Proverbs with two banquets. Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars. She has set her table and sent out her maidens to call: Whoever is simple, let him turn in here! Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed! Leave your simple ways, and live. Wisdom's feast brings life.

Between the two feasts is a section on teachability. One who corrects a mocker invites insult. Reprove a wise person, and he will love you. Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. The difference between the wise and the mocker is not intelligence but humility. The key verse returns to the book's theme: The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.

The foolish woman is loud, undisciplined, and knows nothing. She copies Wisdom's invitation word for word, Whoever is simple, let him turn in here, but offers stolen pleasures: Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant. But he doesn't know that the departed spirits are there. Folly promises pleasure and hides the cost. In the New Testament, Jesus says, I am the bread of life (John 6:35).