◄ Proverbs 9:1 ►
Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.
Study Bible
Wisdom
The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is "חָכְמָה" (chokmah), which encompasses not only knowledge but also the skillful application of knowledge in daily life. In the biblical context, wisdom is personified as a noble woman, a common literary device in Proverbs, symbolizing divine insight and understanding. This personification invites readers to view wisdom as an active, living force that seeks to guide and nurture humanity. From a conservative Christian perspective, wisdom is seen as a gift from God, essential for righteous living and decision-making.

has built
The verb "built" in Hebrew is "בָּנְתָה" (banah), indicating a deliberate and skillful act of construction. This suggests that wisdom is not passive but actively involved in creating a stable and secure environment. The imagery of building implies a process that requires planning, effort, and purpose. In the spiritual sense, this construction can be seen as the formation of a life or community grounded in godly principles.

her house
The "house" in this context, "בֵּיתָה" (bayit), represents more than a physical structure; it symbolizes a place of dwelling, safety, and community. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a house was a central place for family and social interaction. Spiritually, it can be interpreted as the heart or life of a believer, where wisdom resides and influences every aspect of existence. The house built by wisdom is one of order, peace, and righteousness.

she has carved out
The phrase "carved out" comes from the Hebrew "חָצְבָה" (chatzvah), which implies a process of cutting or hewing with precision and care. This action denotes intentionality and craftsmanship, suggesting that wisdom's work is not haphazard but carefully designed. It reflects the idea that wisdom shapes and refines the moral and spiritual structure of one's life, much like a sculptor chisels a masterpiece from stone.

her seven pillars
The "seven pillars" are "עַמּוּדֶיהָ שִׁבְעָה" (ammudeha shiv'ah) in Hebrew. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, indicating that the house of wisdom is perfectly supported and balanced. Pillars are structural elements that provide strength and stability, suggesting that wisdom's foundation is robust and enduring. Historically, pillars were also seen as symbols of beauty and grandeur, enhancing the house's aesthetic and functional value. In a spiritual sense, these pillars could represent foundational virtues or principles that uphold a life of wisdom, such as integrity, humility, and faithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Wisdom
Personified as a woman, Wisdom is depicted as a master builder, emphasizing her role in creating a stable and structured environment. In the Hebrew text, "Chokmah" is the word for wisdom, which is often associated with skill and understanding.

2. House
Represents a place of dwelling, safety, and community. In the context of Proverbs, it symbolizes the life and character built on wisdom.

3. Seven Pillars
The number seven often signifies completeness or perfection in the Bible. The pillars suggest strength, stability, and the foundational aspects of wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Foundation of Wisdom
Wisdom is foundational to a life that honors God. Just as a house requires a strong foundation, our lives require the stability that comes from living according to God's wisdom.

The Completeness of Wisdom
The "seven pillars" suggest that wisdom is complete and perfect. We should seek the fullness of wisdom in every area of our lives, trusting that God's wisdom is sufficient for all our needs.

Building a Life of Stability
Like a well-built house, a life grounded in wisdom is stable and secure. We are called to construct our lives with the principles of wisdom, ensuring that we can withstand life's challenges.

The Invitation of Wisdom
Proverbs 9 continues with an invitation to partake in wisdom's feast. We are encouraged to actively pursue wisdom, making it a central part of our daily lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the imagery of "Wisdom building her house" teach us about the nature of wisdom in our daily lives?

2. How can we identify and cultivate the "seven pillars" of wisdom in our personal and spiritual growth?

3. In what ways does the concept of wisdom in Proverbs 9:1 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament?

4. How can we apply the principle of building a life on wisdom to our decision-making processes?

5. Reflect on a time when you relied on God's wisdom. How did it provide stability and strength in that situation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Proverbs 8
The preceding chapter also personifies wisdom, describing her role in creation and her value above all earthly treasures.

James 3:17
This verse describes the qualities of heavenly wisdom, which align with the stability and purity suggested by the "seven pillars."

Matthew 7:24-27
Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders highlights the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation, akin to the house built by wisdom.
Sermons
The Temple of WisdomCharles KingsleyProverbs 9:1
The Divine InvitationW. Clarkson Proverbs 9:1-6
The Rival BanquetsSt. J. A. Frere, M.A.Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom's Banquet; Or, the Call to SalvationE. Johnson Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom's HouseS. Waller.Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom's InvitationGearge Smith, D. DProverbs 9:1-6
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Builded, Built, Carved, Hewn, Pillars, Putting, Seven, Wisdom
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 9:1

     5240   building

Proverbs 9:1-4

     5340   house

Proverbs 9:1-6

     4478   meat
     4544   wine
     5312   feasting
     8365   wisdom, human

Library
The Temple of Wisdom
(Preached at Wellington College, All Saints' Day, 1866.) PROVERBS ix. 1-5. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars: she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and to him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. This allegory has been …
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

The Dryness of Preachers, and the Various Evils which Arise from their Failing to Teach Heart-Prayer --Exhortation to Pastors to Lead People Towards this Form Of
If all those who are working for the conquest of souls sought to win them by the heart, leading them first of all to prayer and to the inner life, they would see many and lasting conversions. But so long as they only address themselves to the outside, and instead of drawing people to Christ by occupying their hearts with Him, they only give them a thousand precepts for outward observances, they will see but little fruit, and that will not be lasting. When once the heart is won, other defects are …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

Letter xxi (Circa A. D. 1128) to the Abbot of S. John at Chartres
To the Abbot of S. John at Chartres Bernard dissuades him from resigning his charge, and undertaking a Pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 1. As regards the matters about which you were so good as to consult so humble a person as myself, I had at first determined not to reply. Not because I had any doubt what to say, but because it seemed to me unnecessary or even presumptuous to give counsel to a man of sense and wisdom. But considering that it usually happens that the greater number of persons of sense--or …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

To Pastors and Teachers
To Pastors and Teachers If all who laboured for the conversion of others were to introduce them immediately into Prayer and the Interior Life, and make it their main design to gain and win over the heart, numberless as well as permanent conversions would certainly ensue. On the contrary, few and transient fruits must attend that labour which is confined to outward matters; such as burdening the disciple with a thousand precepts for external exercises, instead of leaving the soul to Christ by the …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to Reside in Germany in 1820
1815.--After the long season of depression through which John Yeardley passed, as described in the last chapter, the new year of 1815 dawned with brightness upon his mind. He now at length saw his spiritual bonds loosed; and the extracts which follow describe his first offerings in the ministry in a simple and affecting manner. 1 mo. 5.--The subject of the prophet's going down to the potter's house opened so clearly on my mind in meeting this morning that I thought I could almost have publicly …
John Yeardley—Memoir and Diary of John Yeardley, Minister of the Gospel

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists.
The object of this chapter is to present a rudimentary outline and summary of all that Augustin penned or spoke against those traditional North African Christians whom he was pleased to regard as schismatics. It will be arranged, so far as may be, in chronological order, following the dates suggested by the Benedictine edition. The necessary brevity precludes anything but a very meagre treatment of so considerable a theme. The writer takes no responsibility for the ecclesiological tenets of the …
St. Augustine—writings in connection with the donatist controversy.

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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