"Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; She has
prepared her food, she has mixed her wine; She has also set her table"
(Proverbs 9:1-2 NASB). This chapter of proverbs will summarize chapters 1-8
by comparing and contrasting the invitation of wisdom (9:1-6) with the
invitation of foolishness (9:13-18) and by showing the uselessness of
correcting those who ignore wisdom (9:7-12).
Here, walking the path of wisdom is compared to taking part in a great
feast. Jesus uses a similar idea in the Parable of the Wedding Feast
(Matthew 22:1ff). Notice wisdom has prepared a place for those who accept
her invitation. She has built her house and hewn out her seven
pillars--wisdom is well established in a grand house. Seven often refers to
perfection. It is a number that indicates sufficiency (cf. Proverbs 6:16,
6:31). Wisdom has also prepared a feast for those who will come to her to
enjoy the fruits of her labor. If we answer the call to learn and heed Godly
wisdom, we will be partaking of advise that is well established and that
which will make life enjoyable and grand.
Jeremy Sprouse