Proverbs 9:1-6, Initial Observations

[I intend to teach this passage for the prayer meeting tonight at Kosmosdale Baptist Church.]

Translation
1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars.
2 She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, and she has set her table.
3 She has sent out her maids; she calls out from the tops of the heights of the city,
4 "Whoever is naive, let him turn in here!" She has said to the one who lacks willpower,
5 "Come, eat some of the food and drink some of the wine I have mixed.
6 Abandon naivete and live, and advance in the way of understanding."

Notes
1 There is some controversy among the commentators concerning the identification of the "seven pillars."
2 This verse obviously indicates preparation for fellowship with guests.
3 Wisdom is calling out through her female servants in a way that her call is inescapable throughout the city.
4 "Inexperienced:" simple, naive, 'green,' unacquainted with the ways of the world and thus easily fooled. "Lacks willpower:" literally "lacks heart;" often translated "lacks sense/understanding;" this phrase is used of one who is immature and does not know what to do with himself.
5 Parallel with verse 2: notice Wisdom's gracious demeanor toward the rather silly person and the comparison/contrast between Wisdom's invitation and the invitation of the harlot, recorded earlier.
6 "Advance:" "walk," "step," "proceed," "go straight."

Parallel: James 1:5-7. Note the generosity of wisdom and the danger of double-mindedness.