The woman named Folly is loud;In the book of Proverbs, personification is a common literary device used to convey wisdom and folly as women. Here, Folly is depicted as loud, suggesting a brash and attention-seeking nature. This contrasts with the quiet and gentle spirit often associated with wisdom (
Proverbs 9:1-6). The loudness of Folly can be seen as a metaphor for the pervasive and intrusive nature of foolishness in human life. In biblical times, loudness was often associated with a lack of self-control and discernment, qualities that are antithetical to the wisdom that Proverbs advocates. This phrase warns against the seductive and overwhelming presence of folly in the world.
she is naive
The term "naive" indicates a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, naivety was often linked to youth and inexperience, but here it is used to describe a deeper spiritual and moral deficiency. This naivety is not merely a lack of knowledge but a willful ignorance of God's ways. The Bible frequently contrasts the naive with the wise, urging believers to seek understanding and discernment (Proverbs 1:4, 14:15). The naive nature of Folly suggests that she is easily led astray and leads others astray, lacking the depth and insight that come from a relationship with God.
and knows nothing.
This phrase underscores the complete absence of true knowledge and understanding in Folly. In the biblical worldview, knowledge is not just intellectual but deeply connected to the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). To "know nothing" is to be devoid of this foundational wisdom. The Bible often equates knowing God with life and righteousness (Jeremiah 9:23-24,John 17:3). Thus, Folly's ignorance is not just a lack of information but a spiritual blindness and separation from God. This serves as a stark warning to the reader about the dangers of ignoring divine wisdom and the consequences of living a life disconnected from God's truth.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Woman Named FollyIn Proverbs, Folly is personified as a woman who embodies foolishness and lack of wisdom. She is depicted as loud and ignorant, contrasting with the personification of Wisdom earlier in the chapter.
2.
SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was known for his wisdom. He uses vivid imagery and personification to convey moral and spiritual lessons.
3.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
Teaching Points
The Dangers of IgnoranceFolly is characterized by loudness and ignorance. In our lives, we must be cautious of voices that are loud but lack substance and truth.
The Importance of DiscernmentJust as Folly is naive and knows nothing, we must strive for discernment and understanding, seeking wisdom from God and His Word.
The Call to WisdomProverbs contrasts Folly with Wisdom, urging us to choose the path of wisdom, which leads to life and understanding.
Guarding Against DeceptionFolly's loudness can be deceptive. We must guard our hearts and minds against the allure of foolishness and seek truth.
Pursuing Godly WisdomIn a world filled with noise and distractions, pursuing godly wisdom is essential for living a life that honors God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 9:13?
2.How does Proverbs 9:13 describe the characteristics of folly?
3.What actions can we take to avoid the "woman of folly"?
4.How does Proverbs 9:13 connect with warnings in Proverbs 7?
5.Why is discernment important when encountering "simple" and "knows nothing" behaviors?
6.How can we apply the lessons of Proverbs 9:13 in daily decision-making?
7.How does Proverbs 9:13 portray the nature of folly in human behavior?
8.What is the significance of describing folly as a "woman" in Proverbs 9:13?
9.How does Proverbs 9:13 challenge our understanding of wisdom versus foolishness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 9?
11.Proverbs 9:13–18 presents Folly as another woman calling out to the naive. Why rely on personification instead of providing concrete historical or scientific validations for these moral teachings?
12.How do Proverbs contrast wise and foolish women?
13.Proverbs 9:17 suggests stolen water is sweet. Does this imply that forbidden acts have inherent appeal, and how does this reconcile with other passages condemning theft?
14.How can you avoid the false cause fallacy?What Does Proverbs 9:13 Mean
The woman named Folly- Solomon sets Folly in sharp relief against Lady Wisdom (Proverbs 8:1-3, 8:35-36).
- Personifying foolishness gives it a face, making the danger tangible like the adulteress ofProverbs 7:10-27.
- By naming her, the verse calls out foolishness as a real, personal adversary rather than a harmless mistake (Proverbs 14:1).
is loud- Folly’s volume masks emptiness; noise becomes her only credential. The same pattern appears inProverbs 15:2, “the mouth of fools spouts folly”.
- Loudness lures the unguarded ear; Wisdom, by contrast, invites but never coerces (Proverbs 9:3-4).
- • Volume without substance
• Urgency without truth
• Appeal to the senses, not the spirit (2 Peter 2:18).
she is naive- Folly lacks discernment; she cannot see consequences (Proverbs 14:15).
- Her naiveté is contagious: “a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20).
- The verse exposes immaturity posing as sophistication, echoingRomans 16:18 where smooth talk deceives the hearts of the naive.
and knows nothing- Absolute ignorance contrasts with the “knowledge of the Holy One” that brings understanding (Proverbs 9:10).
- Foolishness offers promises it cannot comprehend or fulfill, like clouds without rain (Jude 12).
- • No grasp of truth
• No awareness of danger
• No capacity to guide others (Matthew 15:14).
summaryProverbs 9:13 paints Folly as a named, noisy, inexperienced, and utterly ignorant voice. Her allure is volume, not value; confidence, not competence. Scripture calls believers to recognize and reject her empty invitations, choosing instead the quiet, rich, life-giving counsel of Wisdom found in the fear of the Lord.
(13)
A foolish woman.--Rather,
the Foolish woman;Folly personified, in opposition to Wisdom described above.
Clamorous.--Not of dignified mien, as her rival.
Simple.--Heb.,simplicity, i.e.,she is simplicity itself.
And knoweth nothing.--And so leaves room for all evil to enter in and dwell with her (Matthew 12:45); thus she perishes, like Israel, for "lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).
Verses 13-18. - This section contains the invitation of Folly, the rival of Wisdom, represented under the guise of an adulteress (
Proverbs 2:16;
Proverbs 5:3, etc.; Proverbs 6:24, etc.; Proverbs 7.).
Verse 13. -
I foolish woman; literally,
the woman of folly, the genitive being that of apposition, so that this may well be rendered, in order to make the contrast with Wisdom more marked, "the woman Folly." She is regarded as a real person; and between her and Virtue man has to make his choice. Is
clamorous; turbulent and animated by passion (as
Proverbs 7:11), quite different from her calm, dignified rival. She is
simple; Hebrew, "simplicity," in a bad sense; she has no preservative against evil, no moral fibre to resist temptation.
And knoweth nothing which she ought to know. Ignorance is the natural accompaniment of Folly: in this case it is wilful and persistent; she goes on her way reckless of consequences. Septuagint, "A woman foolish and bold, who knows not shame, comes to want a morsel."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The womanאֵ֣שֶׁת(’ê·šeṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalenamed Follyכְּ֭סִילוּת(kə·sî·lūṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3687:Sillinessis loud;הֹֽמִיָּ֑ה(hō·mî·yāh)Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 1993:To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor[she is] naiveפְּ֝תַיּ֗וּת(pə·ṯay·yūṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6615:Simplicityand knowsיָ֥דְעָה(yā·ḏə·‘āh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3045:To knownothing.וּבַל־(ū·ḇal-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 1077:A failure, nothing, not at all, lest
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 9:13 The foolish woman is loud Undisciplined (Prov. Pro Pr) 
