Proverbs 9 begins with an invitation from wisdom (verses 1-6) and ends with an invitation from folly (verses 13-18). This pattern of comparing and contrasting wisdom and folly will continue throughout the book.

And just in case we need clarification, folly always refers to human wisdom, which our enemy, Satan, loves to tell us is best and highest, while wisdom refers to God’s Word, His commands to obey, and principles to live by.

What’s the difference between a comparison, and a contrast? When we compare two things, we look for the likenesses and similarities, but a contrast shows the differences. By examining both, we can make better decisions. It’s as if God has done all the work of making a list of “pros” and “cons.” After reviewing His list, our choice should be obvious.

Both wisdom and folly reside in a house.

Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars (9:1).

Folly…sits at the doorway of her house, on a seat by the high places of the city (9:14).

Folly resides by the high places of the city. High places usually refer to idol worship. In contrast, wisdom has built her house on seven pillars. (See this article for an explanation!)

Both wisdom and folly call out to the naïve.

Wisdom calls…Whoever is naïve let him turn in here! To him who lacks understanding… (9:4).

Folly calls…Whoever is naïve, let him turn in here, and to him who lacks understanding…(9:16).

The Hebrew word translated as naïve means simple, open-minded, silly, foolish – seducible. But there’s a contrast here as well. Wisdom calls out, “Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding” (9:6) while folly is “calling to those who pass by, who are making their paths straight” (9:15).

Do you see it? Some people are on the road to folly, far away from God. They are naïve and foolish and easily led. But others are on the straight road, sincerely seeking to follow God, yet they also are naïve and foolish and easily led. Just because we’ve been saved and professed faith in Jesus doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted to follow our foolish and sinful hearts. And no matter how foolish we’ve been, wisdom calls to us with open arms, inviting us in!

Both wisdom and folly offer a feast.

Wisdom has prepared her food she has mixed her wine; she has also set her table…Wisdom says…Come eat of my food and drink of the wine I have mixed (9:2,5).

Folly says…Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant (9:17).

Wisdom offers what she has prepared…what God has prepared for us. Folly simply steals from others and has nothing to offer herself.

In the middle of this chapter, we get a glimpse of two kinds of responses and two kinds of results. Folly “is boisterous…naïve (herself) and knows nothing” (9:13). Speaking of her house, scripture says, But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol (9:18). In contrast, wisdom says, Forsake your folly and live (9:6) and by me your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you (9:11).

Folly leads to death.

Wisdom leads to life.

What is our response? For that, we need to read the middle of the chapter.

Proverbs 9:7-12 – He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

How do you respond to being corrected? When you are presented with wisdom from God’s word, do you embrace it and learn from it, or scoff at it and insult the friend who was brave enough to address your ways of folly?

Your response will reveal whether you are a wise and righteous man, or a wicked scoffer.

Life or death? Which will you choose?