Proverbs – Chapter 9

Old Testament18 Verses

1Wisdom hath built herself a house, she hath hewn her out seven pillars.

2She hath slain her victims, mingled her wine, and set forth her table.

3She hath sent her maids to invite to the tower, and to the walls of the city:

4Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. And to the unwise she said:

5Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have mingled for you.

6Forsake childishness, and live, and walk by the ways of prudence.

7He that teacheth a scorner, doth an injury to himself; and he that rebuketh a wicked man, getteth himself a blot.

8Rebuke not a scorner, lest he hate thee. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

9Give an occasion to a wise man, and wisdom shall be added to him. Teach a just man, and he shall make haste to receive it.

10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is prudence.

11For by me shall thy days be multiplied, and years of life shall be added to thee.

12If thou be wise, thou shalt be so to thyself: and if a scorner, thou alone shalt bear the evil.

13A foolish woman and clamorous, and full of allurements, and knowing nothing at all,

14Sat at the door of her house, upon a seat, in a high place of the city,

15To call them that pass by the way, and go on their journey:

16He that is a little one, let him turn to me. And to the fool she said:

17Stolen waters are sweeter, and hidden bread is more pleasant.

18And he did not know that giants are there, and that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Reflection for Today

Proverbs Chapter 9 contributes to the biblical theme of wisdom for daily living, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. Christ is the Wisdom of God incarnate (CIC 721). The enduring truth that The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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