Proverbs 9:13-18

13 The woman of folly is ¹boisterous, She is naive and ²knows nothing *.

14 She sits at the doorway of her house, On a seat by ³the high places of the city,

15 Calling to those who pass by, Who are making their paths straight:

16 "⁴Whoever is naive, let him turn in here," And to him who lacks understanding she says,

17 "Stolen water is sweet; And ⁵bread eaten in secret is pleasant."

18 But he does not know that the dead are there, That her guests are in the ⁶depths 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

• 1. Proverbs 7:11
• 2. Proverbs 5:6
• 3. Proverbs 9:3
• 4. Proverbs 9:4
• 5. Proverbs 20:17
• 6. Proverbs 7:27

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "foolish woman"
• [b]. Lit "simple"
• [c]. Lit "simple"
• [d]. Lit "heart"
• [e]. Lit "departed spirits"