Solomon continues in Proverbs 9 with what I have described as the personification of wisdom. Proverbs 9:1-6 portrays wisdom as a wealthy woman who has built a house and is preparing a banquet for her invited guests. A contrast to wisdom’s invitation to her banquet, is the invitation of a woman described as foolish (9:13). The foolish woman sits at the threshold of her house where she entices simple-minded men to come in and taste the nectar of lust that appeals to the flesh, but damns the soul (9:13-18). We see in Solomon’s stories two contrasting invitations leading to two very different ends.
What can spare a foolish, non-discerning man from the consequences of lust and the judgment of God? Wisdom!
Proverbs 9:10-11 – “The fear [reverential fear] of the LORD is the beginning [starting point] of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding [wisdom and 
insight]. 11 For by me [Wisdom is speaking] thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.”
Notice that wisdom is birthed in the soul of the man who fears the Lord and acknowledges His holy character (9:10). God gives wisdom and discernment to the man who fears Him and seeks Him with all his heart. The reward of such wisdom is generally a long and blessed life (9:11).
Seek the Lord—read and meditate on Him and His Word; listen intently to the preaching and teaching of His Word and seek daily a quiet time of prayer.
Psalm 1:1-3 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Copyright 2014 – Travis D. Smith