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Proverbs 9 · a question people ask

"For by me your days will be multiplied" (9:11). Who is speaking, and is it a promise of a long life?

In the text

The WEB's quotation marks around Wisdom's words close at the end of 9:6, and 9:7-12 have none; the verses don't name who speaks. "For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased" (9:11) comes straight after "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (9:10). Wisdom has said something like it of herself, "For whoever finds me finds life" (Proverbs 8:35), and chapter 3 said of wisdom, "Length of days is in her right hand" (Proverbs 3:16); the chapter doesn't say more, and these notes don't name the speaker. As for long life, 9:11 is a saying, like "The fear of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened" (Proverbs 10:27). The chapter doesn't say how or when, and these notes don't make it a guarantee, or say that anyone whose life was short lacked wisdom.

The verses

“Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.””
Proverbs 9:6 · World English Bible
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.”
Proverbs 9:10-11 · World English Bible
“For whoever finds me finds life, and will obtain favor from the LORD.”
Proverbs 8:35 · World English Bible
“Length of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.”
Proverbs 3:16 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Proverbs 9

Proverbs 9: Two tables

Wisdom and the foolish woman call the same people with the very same words: "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here" (9:4, 9:16). One table leads to "live" (9:6), the other to "the depths of Sheol" (9:18). And the foolish woman calls to "those who pass by, who go straight on their ways" (9:15).

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Last reviewed September 28, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions