For through wisdomWisdom in the biblical context is more than just knowledge; it is the application of divine truth to life. In Proverbs, wisdom is often personified and is seen as a guiding force that leads to a righteous and fulfilling life. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (
Proverbs 9:10), indicating that true wisdom is rooted in a reverence for God. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but is deeply spiritual and moral, aligning one's life with God's will. The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in Solomon's request for wisdom (
1 Kings 3:9) and James' exhortation to ask God for wisdom (
James 1:5).
your days will be multiplied
The promise of multiplied days is a common theme in the Old Testament, often associated with obedience to God's commandments. InDeuteronomy 5:33, God promises that following His ways will lead to prolonged days in the land. This phrase suggests that living wisely, in accordance with God's principles, leads to a life that is not only longer but also more meaningful and fulfilling. The idea is not just about quantity of life but quality, as wisdom leads to a life of peace and purpose.
and years will be added to your life
This phrase emphasizes the blessing of longevity as a result of living wisely. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a long life was seen as a sign of God's favor and blessing. The connection between wisdom and life is also echoed inProverbs 3:16, where wisdom is said to hold long life in her right hand. This promise is not merely about physical longevity but also about the richness and depth of life that comes from living in harmony with God's design. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life to those who follow Him (John 10:10).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom, which he received from God. His writings often emphasize the value of wisdom in leading a righteous and fulfilling life.
2.
WisdomPersonified in Proverbs as a woman calling out to people, wisdom is portrayed as a divine attribute that leads to life and prosperity. It is central to the teachings of Proverbs and is seen as a gift from God.
3.
The AudienceThe book of Proverbs is addressed to the people of Israel, particularly the young and inexperienced, urging them to seek wisdom and live according to God's principles.
Teaching Points
The Value of WisdomWisdom is not just intellectual knowledge but a practical application of God's truth in daily life. It is essential for a life that honors God and benefits from His promises.
Longevity as a BlessingThe promise of multiplied days and added years is a blessing that comes from living wisely. It reflects a life aligned with God's will, which naturally leads to health and prosperity.
Wisdom's Divine SourceTrue wisdom comes from God. Seeking wisdom is an act of faith and reliance on God's understanding rather than our own.
Practical Pursuit of WisdomEngaging with Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel are practical ways to pursue wisdom. It requires intentionality and humility to learn and grow.
Wisdom and ObedienceObedience to God's commands is a demonstration of wisdom. It shows trust in God's plan and leads to the fulfillment of His promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 9:11?
2.How does Proverbs 9:11 encourage valuing wisdom for a longer, fulfilling life?
3.What role does wisdom play in extending "your years" according to Proverbs 9:11?
4.How can we practically seek wisdom to increase "the years of your life"?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the life-extending benefits of wisdom and understanding?
6.How can you apply Proverbs 9:11 in daily decision-making and life choices?
7.How does Proverbs 9:11 relate to the concept of divine wisdom and longevity?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 9:11?
9.How does Proverbs 9:11 align with archaeological findings from the biblical era?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 9?
11.What defines a teachable spirit?
12.What does 'Rejoice in the Wife of Your Youth' mean?
13.What are the seven pillars of wisdom?
14.James 1:5 claims God gives wisdom to all who ask--why do many believers seek guidance and still struggle with unanswered prayers or confusion?What Does Proverbs 9:11 Mean
For through wisdom• Wisdom here is not mere intelligence but the fear of the LORD thatProverbs 1:7 calls “the beginning of knowledge.”
• This wisdom is offered openly by God (James 1:5) and is pictured inProverbs 3:13-18 as a tree of life—already hinting at the promise of longevity.
• Walking in wisdom means trusting the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6) and obeying His Word; that pathway sets the stage for everything promised in the rest of the verse.
your days will be multiplied• Scripture repeatedly links obedience-rooted wisdom with a longer, fuller life: “Do not forget My teaching…for they will add length of days” (Proverbs 3:1-2).
• Moses told Israel, “Walk in all the way the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prolong your days” (Deuteronomy 5:33).
• Even the fifth commandment carries the same principle, echoed inEphesians 6:2-3—honoring parents is wise, and God ties it to “that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
• The idea is not a mechanical guarantee but a divinely established pattern: wisdom keeps us from many self-inflicted harms, guides healthier choices, and secures God’s protective favor (Psalm 91:1-2).
and years will be added to your life• God can literally extend a person’s lifespan, as He did for Hezekiah inIsaiah 38:5 and as He promised Solomon in1 Kings 3:14.
• Beyond physical years, wisdom positions us for God’s eternal promise—“With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation” (Psalm 91:16), culminating in everlasting life through Christ (John 3:16).
• So the verse folds temporal blessing and eternal hope together: wise living under God’s rule enriches the present and opens into forever (John 17:3;1 John 5:11-12).
summaryProverbs 9:11 assures that embracing God-given wisdom brings multiplied days and added years. Wisdom reveres the Lord, steers clear of destructive paths, invites divine protection, and leads ultimately to the unending life promised in Christ.
(11)
For by me thy days shall be multiplied. . .--The connection of this verse with the preceding one is as follows:--It is true wisdom to fear and know God, for thus length of years and life that is worth living are to be gained. (Comp.
Proverbs 3:2.)
Verse 11. - The parenthetical explanation being concluded, in which Wisdom has intimated why it is useless to appeal to the scorner and the wilful sinner, she now resumes the direct address interrupted at ver. 7, presenting a forcible reason for the advice given in ver. 6, though there is still some connection with ver. 10, as it is from the wisdom that comes from the fear of the Lord that the blessings now mentioned spring.
For by me thy days shall be multiplied (see
Proverbs 3:2, 16;
Proverbs 4:10, where long life is promised as a reward for the possession and practice of wisdom). The same result is attributed to the fear of God (
Proverbs 10:27;
Proverbs 14:27, etc.). In ver. 6 the address is in the plural; here it is singular. A similar interchange is found in
Proverbs 5:7, 8 (where see note).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionthrough [wisdom]בִ֭י(ḇî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewyour daysיָמֶ֑יךָ(yā·me·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daywill be multiplied,יִרְבּ֣וּ(yir·bū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatand yearsשְׁנ֣וֹת(šə·nō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8141:A yearwill be addedוְיוֹסִ֥יפוּ(wə·yō·w·sî·p̄ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3254:To add, augmentto your life.חַיִּֽים׃(ḥay·yîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:11 For by me your days will be (Prov. Pro Pr)