Proverbs 9:12

If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it. IF THOU BE WISE, THOU SHALT BE WISE FOR THYSELF: BUT (IF) THOU SCORNEST, THOU ALONE SHALT BEAR (IT) - (.) It is not me, Wisdom, nor my maidens (i:e., inviting ministers), that thou hurtest by scorning, but thyself (; ; Job 35:6). On the other hand, the benefit will be all thine own if thou be spiritually "wise" (). Thou shelf not toil for vanity, as those who amass earthly riches (Eccles...

1-12 Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those that believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven hereafter. The ministers of the gospel go forth to invite the guests. The call is general, and shuts out none that do not shut out themselves. Our Saviour came, not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see. We must keep from the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we never can enjoy the pleasures of a holy life. It is vain to seek the company of wicked men in the hope of doing them good; we are far more likely to be corrupted by them. It is not enough to forsake the foolish, we must join those that walk in wisdom. There is no true wisdom but in the way of religion, no true life but in the end of that way. Here is the happiness of those that embrace it. A man cannot...

Verse Proverbs 9:12. _IF THOU BE WISE_] It is thy own interest to be religious. Though thy example may be very useful to thy neighbours and friends, yet the chief benefit is to _thyself_. But if thou scorn - refuse to receive - the doctrines of wisdom, and die in thy sins, _thou alone_ shalt suffer the vengeance of an offended God....

The great law of personal retribution (compare Matthew 7:2). The Septuagint makes a curious addition to this verse, “My son, if thou wilt be wise for thyself, thou shalt be wise also for thy neighbors; but if thou turn out evil, thou alone shalt bear evil. He who resteth on lies shall guide the winds, and the same shall hunt after winged birds, for he hath left the ways of his own vineyard, and has gone astray with the wheels of his own husbandry. He goeth through a wilderness without water, and over a land set in thirsty places, and with his hands he gathereth barrenness.”...

EXPOSITION PROVERBS 9:1 15. _Fifteenth admonitory discourse, _containing in a parabolic form an invitation of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1), and that of her rival Folly (Proverbs 9:13). The chapter sums up in brief the warnings of the preceding part. PROVERBS 9:1 Wisdom was represented as having a house at whose portals persons waited eagerly for admission (Proverbs 8:34); the idea is further carried on. WISDOM HATH BUILDED HER HOUSE. (For the plural form of khoc

IF THOU BE WISE, THOU SHALT BE WISE FOR THYSELF,.... He is wise that harkens to Wisdom's advice, that obeys her call, turns in to her house, and becomes her guest; and such an one is wise for himself, it is for his own good, profit, and advantage; for the good of his soul, for his present peace and comfort, and for his future bliss and happiness. It is not for her own sake that Wisdom presses her exhortations, and is so urgent on men to take her counsel and advice; it is for their own good; their wisdom is not profitable to her, but to themselves; they, and they only, reap the advantage and usefulness of it; see Job 22:2. The Syriac and Arabic versions add, "and unto thy friends"; and the Septuagint version is, "if thou becomest wise to thyself, thou wilt be wise to neighbours"; they will receive some profit by it; BUT [IF] THOU SCORNEST, THOU ALONE SHALL BEAR [IT]; the evil, as t

CHAPTER 9 _ 1. The invitation of Wisdom (Proverbs 9:1)_ 2. The contrast with Folly. (Proverbs 9:13) Proverbs 9:1. The first section of Proverbs closeth with a contrast of Wisdom and Folly, both personified. The one, our Lord, the other under the symbol of a foolish woman. Wisdom sends forth her invitation after her house is built and the feast is spread. It reminds us of the parable of the great supper (Luke 14:1). Here too is the gracious invitation, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine which I have mingled.” Prov

PROVERBS 9. THE INVITATIONS OF WISDOM AND FOLLY CONTRASTED. This section closes with a couple of graphic pictures of Wisdom and Folly personified, each bidding for the attention of the passers-by with offers of hospitality. The two pictures, each consisting of six stanzas, are now separated by six stanzas of unconnected proverbs (Proverbs 9:7). PROVERBS 9:1. WISDOM'S INVITATION. The parable of the Great Supper in Matthew 22 and Luke 14 may perhaps be modelled on this passage. Wisdom's house, with its seven pillars, her preparations for the feast, and her message of invitation are described. The appointments imply a city life and setting to the scene, but whether Jewish or Greek is not determined by the details. The pillars, viands, and messengers naturally offer themselves to allegorical inte

_shalt be_ Rather, ART. R.V. The LXX. version of this verse is interesting, and represents perhaps a fuller Hebrew text: "My son, if thou be wise to thyself, thou shalt be wise to thy neighbours also; But if thou turn out evil, thou alone shalt bear (lit. drain) the evil. Whoso stayeth himself upon lies, he tendeth the winds; And he will follow after birds on the wing. For he hath forsaken the ways of his vineyard, and gone astray in the paths of his field; For he walketh through a desert without water, and over a land that is set in thirsty places; And with his hands he gathereth that which is without fruit....

TEXT Proverbs 9:10-18 10. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 11. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased. 12. If thou are wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shall bear it. 13. The foolish woman is clamorous; She is simple, and knoweth nothing. 14. And she sitteth at the door of her house, On a seat in the high places of the city, 15. To call to them that pass by, Who go right on their ways: 16. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; And as for him that is void of understanding, she saith to him, 17. Stolen waters are sweet, And bread eaten in secret is pleasant. 18. But he knoweth not that