Whose invitation will you accept, Lady Wisdom’s or Woman Folly’s? This is the question being asked in chapter 9 as the father concludes the nine-chapter prologue. Both women present their case of why coming to feast on their banquet brings satisfaction and joy. The truths from the chapter are emphasized using a chiastic structure:
A. Lady Wisdom’s invitation (9:1-6)
B. Response to wisdom: the wise man and the scoffer (9:7-9)
C. The foundation of wisdom (9:10-11)
B. Consequences of response: the wise man and the scoffer (9:12)
A. Woman Folly’s invitation (9:13-18)
The person who chooses wisdom will be ready to study chapters 10-31, with eternal benefit. This is one who has humbled themselves and is ready to grow in godliness. The main lesson is that you must choose for yourself whom you will follow: Christ or self. Your reaction to the truth will expose your choice and pronounce your destiny.
- Two invitations (vv. 1-6, 13-18)
- Two responses (vv. 7-9)
- Two consequences (vv. 10-12)