Proverbs 9: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Proverbs 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Proverbs 9 contrasts the invitations of Wisdom and Folly, both personified as women, each preparing a feast and calling people to join them. Wisdom builds her house, prepares a banquet, and calls out to the simple to choose understanding. Wisdom’s invitation leads to life and insight, with a stress on the fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom.

Key verse

“The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 (WEB)

Outline

Proverbs 9:1–2 Wisdom Prepares Her Feast
Proverbs 9:3–6 Wisdom's Invitation
Proverbs 9:7–10 Response to Correction
Proverbs 9:11–12 Benefits of Wisdom
Proverbs 9:13–18 Folly's Seduction

Discussion questions

In v1, what has Wisdom built and what has she carved out?
In v6, what does Wisdom invite the simple to do?
The contrast between Wisdom and Folly, vv. 13-18: how does Folly's invitation differ from Wisdom's?
The phrase 'the fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom' in v10: what does this suggest about the source of true understanding?
When have you felt tempted by the promise of 'stolen water' in v17?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Proverbs 9: Proverbs 1, Matthew 7, Psalm 111.

Before next time: read Proverbs 10.