The NIV entitles this chapter “Invitations of Wisdom and of Folly.” This certainly captures the main points, but it neglects verses 7–12. The personification of the two women, Wisdom (vv. 1–6) and Folly (vv. 13–18) is the proper way to end these chapters (1–9) which have been so dualistic: wisdom/folly, life/death, and good/bad.

9:1–6 The rendering of Woman Wisdom in verses 1–6 contains several new items (in contrast to the businesslike description of Folly in vv. 13–15). Thus, she has her house of seven pillars, which she has built. It is reasonable to presume that this narrative is uttered by the sage (as in 1:20–21 and 8:1–3). It is difficult to fit in the significance of the house. But there is no lack of hypotheses: is it a house, a palace, or a temple? Are the pillars physical, asso…