What actions can we take to avoid the "woman of folly"? Setting the Scene from Proverbs 9:13-18 “The woman Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing. She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the heights of the city, calling out to those who pass by, who continue straight on their way: ‘Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!’ she says to him who lacks judgment. ‘Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant!’ But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.” (Proverbs 9:13-18) Recognize Her Strategy • Loud and attention-seeking (v. 13) • Positioned where she sees the unsuspecting (v. 14) • Targets those already heading the right way (v. 15) • Appeals to curiosity and secrecy (v. 17) • Leads to spiritual death (v. 18) Actions That Keep Us Safe • Flee quickly ‑ “Flee from sexual immorality.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) ‑ “Flee from youthful passions.” (2 Timothy 2:22) • Guard the heart and senses ‑ “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) ‑ Job 31:1 models a covenant with the eyes. • Choose companions wisely ‑ “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) ‑ “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” (Psalm 1:1) • Stay in public, accountable pathways ‑ The woman of folly lures to secrecy; bring temptations into the light with trusted believers (James 5:16). • Keep Scripture constantly before you ‑ “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9) ‑ “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” (Colossians 3:16) • Cultivate holy fear ‑ “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) ‑ Reverence for God shuts Folly’s lies out. • Submit and resist ‑ “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) Daily Habits That Build a Guardrail 1. Start each day in Proverbs for practical wisdom. 2. Memorize key verses on purity and wisdom. 3. Schedule regular check-ins with an accountability partner. 4. Keep devices and media filters in place. 5. Serve others; idleness gives Folly room to speak (cf. 2 Samuel 11:1-2). Wisdom’s Rewards • Life and favor (Proverbs 3:1-4) • Clear conscience and stable path (Proverbs 4:18) • Eternal security—avoiding the depths of Sheol (Proverbs 9:18) Walking in these patterns shuts the door on the woman of folly and opens wide the gates of wisdom’s house (Proverbs 9:1-6). |
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