Proverbs 9:2

She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.

She hath killed {H2873} her beasts {H2874}; she hath mingled {H4537} her wine {H3196}; she hath also furnished {H6186} her table {H7979}.

She has prepared her food, spiced her wine, and she has set her table.

She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table.

She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; She hath also furnished her table:

Commentary

Proverbs 9:2 describes Lady Wisdom’s elaborate preparations for a feast, setting the scene for her gracious invitation to all who seek understanding. This verse is part of a larger literary personification of wisdom in the Book of Proverbs, presenting her as an active, benevolent hostess.

Context of Proverbs 9:2

This verse immediately follows Proverbs 9:1, where Lady Wisdom is depicted building her house upon seven pillars. Verse 2 continues this imagery, detailing the extensive provisions she has made for a banquet. This feast is a metaphor for the rich and abundant instruction that wisdom offers. The entire chapter contrasts Lady Wisdom's life-giving invitation with the destructive allure of Lady Folly, whose deceptive call is described later in Proverbs 9:13-18.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Abundant Provision: The phrase "killed her beasts" signifies a lavish sacrifice, indicating that wisdom provides a rich, satisfying, and complete spiritual nourishment, not a meager offering. It speaks to the generosity of God's wisdom.
  • Careful Preparation: "She hath mingled her wine" suggests a meticulous process. In ancient times, wine was often mixed with water and sometimes spices to enhance flavor and make it more palatable. This detail highlights that wisdom's teachings are thoughtfully prepared and perfectly suited to satisfy the soul.
  • Gracious Invitation: The furnished table is the culmination of these preparations, symbolizing that everything is ready for those who choose to partake. This imagery emphasizes the open and welcoming nature of wisdom's call, beckoning all to receive knowledge and understanding. This prepares for the direct invitation in Proverbs 9:5, "Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled."

Linguistic Insights

The actions described — killing beasts, mingling wine, and furnishing a table — were common elements of a grand feast in the ancient Near East. The detail of "mingling her wine" is particularly insightful. It doesn't imply dilution to weaken, but rather a skilled preparation to create a superior, more enjoyable drink, sometimes with added spices for flavor. This underscores the excellence and richness of the wisdom offered.

Practical Application and Reflection

Proverbs 9:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the generous and satisfying nature of divine wisdom. Just as a physical feast nourishes the body, God's wisdom is designed to nourish the soul, providing true life and fulfillment. This verse encourages us to accept the abundant provision of wisdom, which is always ready and waiting. It prompts us to consider what we are "feeding" our minds and spirits – are we seeking the rich nourishment of God's truth, or are we drawn to the empty promises of worldly folly? The ultimate embodiment of this divine wisdom and spiritual sustenance is found in Christ, who declared Himself the Bread of Life and the Living Water, inviting all to come and be satisfied.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 25:6

    ¶ And in this mountain shall the LORD of hosts make unto all people a feast of fat things, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of wines on the lees well refined.

  • Proverbs 9:5

    Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine [which] I have mingled.

  • Matthew 22:3

    And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

  • Matthew 22:14

    For many are called, but few [are] chosen.

  • Proverbs 23:30

    They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.

  • Luke 14:16

    Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

  • Luke 14:17

    And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready.
← Back