Proverbs 9:1

¶ Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:

Wisdom {H2454} hath builded {H1129} her house {H1004}, she hath hewn out {H2672} her seven {H7651} pillars {H5982}:

Wisdom has built herself a house; she has carved her seven pillars.

Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.

Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars:

Proverbs 9:1 introduces Lady Wisdom, personifying a foundational concept in the Book of Proverbs. This verse vividly depicts Wisdom as an architect, meticulously constructing a stable and inviting dwelling place.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is a collection of practical instructions and moral teachings, largely attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart wisdom and understanding. Chapter 9 serves as a climactic conclusion to the initial section of the book (chapters 1-9), which primarily contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly. Prior to this verse, Lady Wisdom herself has been calling out, offering her invaluable counsel to humanity. Proverbs 9:1 sets the stage for her grand invitation, detailing the elaborate preparations she has made for those who choose to follow her.

Key Themes

  • The Personification of Wisdom: Here, wisdom is not merely an abstract concept but an active, intelligent, and benevolent entity. The imagery of building a house highlights wisdom's capacity to create order, stability, and a welcoming environment for those who seek her.
  • Stability and Foundation: The "house" symbolizes a life built on wisdom, a secure and enduring dwelling. The act of "hewing out" the pillars suggests deliberate, careful, and painstaking construction, emphasizing that true wisdom is not haphazard but is established on solid principles.
  • Completeness and Perfection: The mention of "seven pillars" is highly symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern and biblical thought, the number seven often signifies completeness, perfection, or divine fullness. This implies that the foundation of wisdom is perfectly constructed, lacking nothing, and capable of supporting a full and righteous life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wisdom" is chokmah, which encompasses not only intellectual knowledge but also practical skill, moral discernment, and the ability to live skillfully in God's world. The phrase "hewn out" comes from the Hebrew verb chatsab, meaning to cut or carve, suggesting a meticulous and intentional effort in establishing this foundation. The "seven pillars" (Hebrew: sheba) underscore a sense of divine order and comprehensive strength in wisdom's structure.

Related Scriptures

The personification of Wisdom in Proverbs finds parallels in the New Testament concept of Christ as the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24, Colossians 2:3). The idea of building on a solid foundation is echoed by Jesus in the parable of the wise and foolish builders, where hearing and obeying His words leads to an unshakable house (Matthew 7:24-27). This verse also sets the stage for the stark contrast with Lady Folly, who is depicted later in the chapter as offering an alluring but ultimately destructive path (Proverbs 9:13-18).

Practical Application

Proverbs 9:1 encourages us to recognize that true wisdom is not flimsy or ephemeral; it is robust, well-established, and enduring. It invites us to consider what foundations we are building our lives upon. Seeking and embracing God's wisdom, as revealed in His Word, provides the stability, moral clarity, and purposeful direction needed to navigate life's challenges. Just as a well-built house offers shelter and security, a life founded on divine wisdom offers peace, resilience, and lasting significance.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 16:18

    And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

  • Galatians 2:9

    And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

  • Ephesians 2:20

    And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];

  • Ephesians 2:22

    In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9

    For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, [ye are] God's building.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:15

    If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

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