Proverbs 9:13-18

The Way of Folly

13 1The woman Folly is 2loud; she is seductive[a] and 3knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house; she takes a seat on 4the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by, who are 5going straight on their way,
16 6"Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 7"Stolen water is sweet, and 8bread eaten in secret is pleasant."
18 But he does not know 9that the dead[b] are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Proverbs 9:13-18 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS 9

In this chapter, Wisdom, or Christ, is represented as having built a stately house or palace for the entertainment of his guests, Pr 9:1; as having made large and suitable provisions for them, Pr 9:2; and as having sent his servants to invite them to come and partake of them, and quit all other company but his, Pr 9:3-6; When it is observed who are and who are not to be reproved, with the reasons of it, Pr 9:7-9; and what is the sum and substance of true wisdom; and what the advantages of it both here and hereafter, Pr 9:10-12; And the chapter is concluded with the description of the foolish woman, the opposite of Wisdom; who is represented as clamorous, simple, and ignorant, Pr 9:13; and plying passengers that go by her door, and inviting them in to partake of her provisions, Pr 9:14-17; the consequence of which is sure and certain death and destruction to her guests, Pr 9:18.

Cross References 9

  • 1. For ver. 13-18, see Proverbs 7:7-27
  • 2. Proverbs 7:11
  • 3. Proverbs 5:6
  • 4. ver. 3
  • 5. [ver. 6]
  • 6. ver. 4
  • 7. [Proverbs 5:15]
  • 8. [Proverbs 20:17; Proverbs 30:20]
  • 9. See Proverbs 7:27

Footnotes 2

The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.