Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Proverbs 9
mingled--to enhance the flavor (Pro 23:30; Isa 5:22). furnished--literally, "set out," "arranged."
maidens--servants to invite (compare Psa 68:11; Isa 40:9). highest places--ridges of heights, conspicuous places.
(Compare Pro 1:4; Pro 6:32). Wisdom not only supplies right but forbids wrong principles.
shame--(Compare Pro 3:35). a blot--or, "stain on character." Both terms denote the evil done by others to one whose faithfulness secures a wise man's love.
The more a wise man learns, the more he loves wisdom.
(Compare Pro 1:7). of the holy--literally, "holies," persons or things, or both. This knowledge gives right perception.
(Compare Pro 3:16-18; Pro 4:10).
You are mainly concerned in your own conduct.
foolish woman--or literally, "woman of folly," specially manifested by such as are described. clamorous--or, "noisy" (Pro 7:11). knoweth nothing--literally, "knoweth not what," that is, is right and proper.
on a seat--literally, "throne," takes a prominent place, impudently and haughtily.
to allure those who are right-minded, and who are addressed as in Pro 9:4, as simple--that is, easily led (Pro 1:4) and unsettled, though willing to do right.
The language of a proverb, meaning that forbidden delights are sweet and pleasant, as fruits of risk and danger.
(Compare Pro 2:18-19; Pro 7:27). Next: Proverbs Chapter 10
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