The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and instructions for living a godly life. One passage that has intrigued many readers is Proverbs 9:1, which mentions “seven pillars” of wisdom:
Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars. (Proverbs 9:1 ESV)
What are these seven pillars? And what do they represent? Let’s take a closer look at this verse and its meaning.
The Immediate Context of Proverbs 9:1
Proverbs 9 opens with a poetic description of Lady Wisdom building her house and preparing a feast. She sends her servants out to invite people to come eat at her table and leave behind foolishness to embrace wisdom (vv. 1-6).
The chapter then contrasts the invitation of Wisdom with the enticement of Folly, personified as a brash woman trying to draw people into her house (vv. 13-18). So the “seven pillars” reference comes as part of Wisdom’s appeal to the simple and the foolish to come dine with her.
The Meaning of the Seven Pillars
The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in the Bible. Therefore, the seven pillars likely symbolize the fullness and completeness of wisdom, as if Wisdom has built her house on solid foundations.
Here are some specific ways that Bible scholars have interpreted the seven pillars:
1. Seven categories of wisdom
Some see the pillars as seven categories of wisdom or seven types of wise sayings that Proverbs covers. For example:
– Practical advice
– Moral instruction
– Discretion
– Righteous living
– Equity
– Prudence
– The fear of the Lord
Proverbs does touch on all these facets of wisdom. So the seven pillars could summarize the completeness of wisdom’s teaching.
2. Seven virtues of wisdom
Alternatively, the pillars could represent seven virtues or qualities that characterize wisdom:
– Truth
– Knowledge
– Prudence
– Justice
– Courage
– Temperance
– Godliness
Wisdom leads to growth in moral and spiritual virtues that rest on truth and the fear of the Lord. So the seven pillars depict wisdom as ethically and spiritually complete.
3. Seven wisdom books of the Bible
Some Jewish traditions see the pillars as referring to the canonical wisdom books of the Old Testament: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Wisdom of Solomon, and Sirach.
These books share common themes of practical living, moral integrity, and the fear of the Lord that form a foundation of divine wisdom. Their study brings fullness of wisdom.
4. Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
For Christians, the seven pillars of wisdom foreshadow the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit described by the prophet Isaiah:
– Wisdom
– Understanding
– Counsel
– Might
– Knowledge
– Fear of the Lord
– Delight in the fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-3)
As a source of wise teaching, Proverbs points ahead to the fullness of wisdom that comes through having the Spirit of God. The seven pillars represent how Jesus perfectly fulfills Wisdom’s appeal.
5. Seven-branched lampstand in tabernacle
The lampstand inside the tabernacle had seven branches (Exodus 25:31-40). This has led some to connect the imagery of Proverbs 9 to the lampstand as a symbol of light, wisdom, and the presence of God with his people. The seven pillars are then linked to the complete illumination that comes from God’s wisdom.
6. Seven days of creation
The number seven also connects back to the creation week and God’s wisdom in designing the ordered universe. The seven pillars can be seen as a metaphor for how wisdom was present at creation and established in the fabric of reality by the Lord (Proverbs 3:19-20).
The Significance of the Imagery
However we interpret the specific meaning, the overall point is that wisdom provides a complete, solid foundation for life. God’s wisdom is multifaceted, perfect, and true.
For the ancient Israelites, the number seven represented a finished work of God, so the seven pillars show how wisdom is integral to God’s work of creation and revelation. Wisdom comes from beginning to end as part of his design.
This truth about wisdom is relevant for all cultures in every age. True wisdom transcends human understanding and always rests on reverence for the Lord as holy Creator.
To build one’s life on wisdom is to build on a solid rock that will withstand any storm (Matthew 7:24-27). Every culture needs this foundation, so the seven pillars have maintained relevance throughout history.
New Testament Connections
When we come to the New Testament, Jesus is revealed as the embodiment of Wisdom (Luke 7:35; 11:49). If Wisdom built her house on seven pillars in Proverbs 9, Jesus is the house that Wisdom built!
1 Corinthians 1:24 says that Jesus is “the wisdom from God.” And in Colossians 2:3, Christ is the one “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
This means that to embrace wisdom is to embrace Christ. To feast with Wisdom means to feast spiritually with Jesus through faith. He is the wisdom of God in human form (1 Corinthians 1:30).
When we trust in Christ for salvation, we become God’s new temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19). And wisdom is established in our hearts through the indwelling Holy Spirit who teaches us all things (John 14:26; 1 John 2:27).
So the seven pillars reach their full meaning when we as believers gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding through relationship with Jesus Christ and the empowering of the Spirit.
Applying the Seven Pillars of Wisdom
How then can we apply the truth of Proverbs 9:1 and its seven pillars of wisdom? Here are some key lessons to take away:
1. Seek wisdom from the source
Since true wisdom comes from the Lord, we should seek it daily through prayer, studying Scripture, and walking in reverent obedience. The more we know God, the wiser we become.
2. Build your life on wisdom
A life founded on God’s wisdom will stand firm when difficulties come. Wisdom should guide our decisions, relationships, work, and priorities. Jesus is the bedrock.
3. Grow in wisdom virtues
Ask the Spirit to cultivate wisdom’s virtues in you: truth, justice, courage, ethics, etc. Wisdom shapes our character to be more like Christ.
4. Embrace wisdomCompletely
Don’t settle for fragmented wisdom. Seek the completeness of understanding that comes from God’s revelation in Scripture and in Christ.
5. Walk as children of light
Those who embrace wisdom walk in the light of God’s truth. The seven pillars connect wisdom to spiritual illumination.
6. Share wisdom generously
Like Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 9, be eager to share wisdom with others. Don’t hoard it for yourself.
7. Thank God for wisdom
Wisdom comes from God as a gracious gift. Be thankful for wisdom and give Him praise!
The seven pillars of wisdom provide a solid foundation for life and lift our eyes up to the source of true understanding. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
May God grant each of us wisdom and understanding as we seek Him and build our lives on the seven pillars.