Proverbs 9 Study Notes

9:12 This verse emphasizes the individual nature of rewards and consequences (see Ezk 18), but a person’s family (Pr 20:7; 23:25) and a leader’s followers (11:10; 29:2,4) are also affected.

9:13 On Folly, see “fool” in note at 1:22; on rowdy, see “loud” in note at 7:11. Lady folly is gullible (the same Hebrew word as “inexperienced”—see note at 1:4—but in her case she has chosen a path) and ignorant of morality and the consequences of choosing against it (v. 18; 4:19; 5:6; 23:35; 28:22).

9:14 While wisdom is industrious (vv. 1-3), folly sits. Chairs were rare in ancient times. Only kings and honored teachers sat (2Sm 19:8; 1Kg 2:12,19; Est 5:1; Ps 29:10; Mt 5:1; 23:2; Lk 4:20)—so her seat (lit “throne”) was her pretentious claim of authority to rule or teach.

9:15-16 The inexperienced person (see note at 1:4) was going straight ahead, but he lacked the resolve and ability to resist the temptation to turn aside (v. 4; 4:10-19,25-27; 1Jn 2:19). Folly tempts vulnerable people (Pr 1:11; Mt 23:14-15).

9:17 Lady wisdom offers a feast (vv. 2,5). Folly offers only water and bread, but her appeal is the attraction that sin has for fallen man (Ps 52:3; Jr 14:10; Mc 3:2; Jn 3:19; 1Pt 4:3).

9:18 Neither folly (v. 13) nor fallen man knows that death is the outcome of this path (4:19; 5:3-5; 8:36; 14:12). On departed spirits, see note at 2:18-19; on Sheol, see note at 1:12-13.