Proverbs 9:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed.

NIV: "Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.

NASB: 'Come, eat of my food And drink of the wine I have mixed.

CSB: "Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine I have mixed.

NLT: 'Come, eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed.

KJV: Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.

NKJV: “Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed.

Earlier passages depicted Wisdom as a woman calling out for others to hear her words (Proverbs 8:1–4). In this chapter, she is imaged as a wealthy, generous host who has made extensive preparations (Proverbs 9:1–3). That includes Wisdom sending out an invitation to those who are senseless and gullible (Proverbs 9:4). Her motive for this is their own benefit: by honoring godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10), they can avoid ignorance and hardship (Proverbs 9:6).

This provides a stark contrast to Wisdom's mirror image, Folly, who will also invite foolish people. But Folly calls out in search of victims she can destroy (Proverbs 9:13–18).

As the source of all wisdom (Proverbs 8:22), God summons, "Come everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price… Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food" (Isaiah 55:1–2). When Jesus converted water to wine at the wedding in Cana, the master of the wedding feast remarked to the bridegroom: "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now" (John 2:10). And when Jesus fed thousands, they were all satisfied (Matthew 14:20). Similarly, Jesus supplies spiritual food that is both good and satisfying (John 6:27).

Proverbs 9:1–6 continues from chapter 8 by depicting wisdom as a woman. Here, she is a refined lady who has built a grand house and prepared a lavish feast. She calls out everywhere for those who are simple and lack judgment to participate as guests at her feast. This passage begins the chapter on a positive note, but a negative tone quickly follows. Foolishness, also depicted as a woman, will make similar invitations to those who lack sense.

Wisdom is portrayed as a dignified woman who prepares a spacious house and feast. She invites those who are gullible and lacking judgment to improve their wisdom, by accepting her invitation. She urges invitees to abandon their simple ways and walk in the way of insight. Solomon then contrasts the attitudes of those who sincerely seek truth, compared to those who hate being corrected. The chapter ends with a description of Wisdom's mirror image: Folly. She is seductive and ignorant. She invites the gullible to enter her house, promising that immorality is enjoyable and pleasant. Sadly, those who are seduced do not realize her invitation leads to ruin and damnation.

In chapter 7, Solomon portrayed an evil woman (Proverbs 7:7–27). In chapter 8 he portrays wisdom as a refined lady who offers instruction to all who heed her call. Chapter 9 contrasts Lady Wisdom with the evil Woman Folly, who lures the foolish to their ruin. This extended warning about the dangers of rejecting God's wisdom leads into an extended collection of standalone proverbial comments, beginning in chapter 10.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.