Matthew Henry Commentary Proverbs 9:1-12

"Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars: She hath killed her beasts; She hath mingled her wine; She hath also furnished her table: 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 is void of understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat ye of my bread, And drink of the wine which I have mingled. Leave off, ye simple ones, and live; And walk in the way of understanding. He that correcteth a scoffer getteth to himself reviling; And he that reproveth a wicked man [getteth] himself a blot. Reprove not a scoffer, lest he hate thee: Reprove a wise man, and he will love thee. Give [instruction] to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, And the years of thy life shall be increased. If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself; And if thou scoffest, thou alone shalt bear it." — Proverbs 9:1-12 (ASV)

Christ has prepared ordinances to which his people are admitted, and by which nourishment is given here to those who believe in him, as well as mansions in heaven in the life to come. The ministers of the gospel go out to invite the guests. The call is general and shuts out no one who does not shut out themselves. Our Savior came not to call the righteous, but sinners; not the wise in their own eyes, who say they see.

We must avoid the company and foolish pleasures of the ungodly, or we can never 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 who 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 who embrace it. A man cannot be profitable to God; it is for our own good. Observe the shame and ruin of those who slight it.

God is not the Author of sin. And Satan can only tempt; he cannot force. You shall bear the loss of what you scorn: it will add to your condemnation.