Proverbs chapters 1-9 take on the task of distinguishing between the wise and the un-wise, the wise vs. the foolish. Here in chapter 9 the two choices make what we might call closing arguments. Both call to the naive, to those looking to find their way, to those on a path to somewhere. Wisdom has prepared the table and the feast; wisdom is pictured as a house built at the highest point of the city, visible to all. Folly/foolishness, on the other hand, is also built on a high place, "by" the highest places of the city. Both are depicted as enticing, for completely different reasons, with wisdom taking the place as the higher place of the two (compare verses 3 and 14).
In between the calling and invitation of those two, we find some closing instruction to the wise who would like to see others follow a wise path. Once one has wisdom and understanding, he would naturally be inclined to guide others, which would involve reproof and correction, done properly. Some are more open than others to such corrective actions. Verses 7-10 explain the possibilities. If you correct a person who is a scoffer (one who mocks what is good and right), you will be dishonored (shamed) by that person. Worse, if you reprove (bring to judgment properly) one who is wicked, that person will insult you. Not quite the reaction you might like. Further, reproving that scoffer will result in hatred. Look around, when you take a stand against the world and its evil system, the world hates you.
On the contrary, take these same corrective measures against a wise man, and he will love you. This love is brotherly, as with a friend. Giving instruction to a wise person makes that person even wiser. Teach that man, who is said to be righteous, and he will learn even more. Now you might think all this teaching and learning would make one puffed up, but not so with the wise, who knows how to utilize such knowledge. To fear the Lord shows wisdom. Wisdom begins with that proper fear of the Lord. Following that, knowledge of God is understanding. All throughout Scripture we are commanded to know God, to be wise, to get understanding.
Yes, we are told to study, to learn, to know God, Who CAN be known! He has revealed Himself to us in His very Word. And so the wise will read it, and listen, and hear, and learn. Such knowledge will indeed lead to wisdom, which by definition, is "skillful learning". All the learning and knowledge in the world will be meaningless if you do not put it into action! Hear it, and do it! You'd think we were reading James now, huh.
Here is my summation of this great "wisdom vs. folly" section of Proverbs, these nine chapters. Wisdom will not come and drag you into her house, and neither will folly. The man who fears God will want to enter wisdom's house. We stand there, looking at both, weighing our options. Both are easy to see, easy to find, neither is hidden from view. And then...we make a choice, yes, we choose how we will live, reflective of our relationship with the Lord. Let's choose wisely!
Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator!
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