What does Proverbs 9:7 mean?
Solomon begins to note the differences between those who sincerely seek truth and those who will only listen to what they want to hear. The "scoffer" depicted here is unteachable, defined by a Hebrew word meaning "mocker, inflated, scorner." These are the people who hate any attempt to change their mind, preferring to continue along their current path. They respond to other views with arrogance and ridicule. This is the same person as the "wicked" man, coming from a different Hebrew word, who lashes out violently at the person who tries to tell him the truth. This lashing out includes slander: the term translated "injury" implies stains or slander. Well-meaning people have often suffered backlash from those who respond to criticism with hateful anger (Proverbs 9:8).This unhappy response to truth happened to Jesus. When Christ came to earth, He came to His own people, the Jews, but they rejected Him (John 1:11). Often, Jesus offered the kingdom to Israel, but the nation spurned His offer.
This rejection also happened to men like Paul. At a synagogue in Antioch in Pisidia, Paul reviewed Israel's history and spoke of Jesus' death and resurrection (Acts 13:13–30). He identified himself and his coworkers as witnesses to the Jews and identified the good news of salvation as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel (Acts 13:31–41). At the request of the people, Paul spoke again the following Sabbath, but hardhearted Jews reviled Paul (Acts 13:42–45). In turn, Paul and his companion Barnabas said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles" (Acts 13:46).
Proverbs 9:7–12 bridges the other two sections of this chapter. The first depicts Wisdom as a generous, benevolent woman calling on others to respond to her invitation and live (Proverbs 9:1–6). The last segment portrays Wisdom's mirror image, Folly, who entices others with lies and deception, leading to their death. In this section of Proverbs 9, Solomon describes what is at stake in the decision between these two proverbial women. This also notes the inherent difference between those who sincerely seek wisdom, versus those who can only stand to be told what they want to hear.
Wisdom is portrayed as a dignified woman who prepares a spacious house and feast. She invites those who are gullible and lacking judgment to improve their wisdom, by accepting her invitation. She urges invitees to abandon their simple ways and walk in the way of insight. Solomon then contrasts the attitudes of those who sincerely seek truth, compared to those who hate being corrected. The chapter ends with a description of Wisdom's mirror image: Folly. She is seductive and ignorant. She invites the gullible to enter her house, promising that immorality is enjoyable and pleasant. Sadly, those who are seduced do not realize her invitation leads to ruin and damnation.
