IX Christ, under the name of wisdom invites us to his entertainment, ver. 1-6. Foretells the different successes of his invitation, ver. 7-9. Shews the fruit of fearing God, ver. 10-12. Sin, in the person of a foolish woman invites us to her entertainment, ver. 13-17. Which ends in destruction, ver. 18

Verse 1. Her house - For the reception of her guests. Seven - Many pillars; whereby is intimated the beauty and stability of the church. Pillars - Prophets, and apostles, and ministers.

Verse 2. Killed - Made provision for the guests. Mingled - With water, as they used to do in those hot countries. Furnished - With all necessaries, and now waits for the guests.

Verse 3. Maidens - Her servants to invite the guests, ministers of the word whom he calls maidens for the decency of the parable; for wisdom being compared to a great princess, was fit to be attended upon by maidens. Highest places - From such high seats as those from which Judges delivered their sentences, and officers made proclamations.

Verse 4. Simple - Ignorant, and weak.

Verse 7. A former - He shews whom he meant by the foolish, ver. 6, even scorners and wicked men, and presses his last advice of forsaking them because there was no good, but hurt to be got from them.

Verse 8. A scorner - An obstinate and incorrigible sinner.

Verse 12. For thyself - Thou dost not profit me but thyself.

Verse 14. At the door - Watching for occasions of sin.

Verse 15. Go right - Who are going innocently about their business.

Verse 16. Simple - This title is not given them by her, but by Solomon.