How does Proverbs 9:13 describe the characteristics of folly? Setting the Scene Proverbs 9 paints two banquets: Wisdom’s and Folly’s. Verses 1–6 show Wisdom’s rich feast; verses 13–18 expose Folly’s empty lure. Verse 13 introduces Folly’s character: “The woman named Folly is loud; she is naive and knows nothing.” Unpacking Each Phrase • “The woman named Folly” – Folly is personified so we can see her, hear her, recognize her. – She is not merely a bad idea; she is an aggressive presence (cf. Proverbs 7:5–27). • “is loud” – Boisterous, clamorous, attention-grabbing. – Noise substitutes for substance (Proverbs 7:11; 1 Peter 3:4 shows the opposite—“a gentle and quiet spirit”). – Loudness masks emptiness; volume tries to drown out the still, small voice of truth (1 Kings 19:12). • “she is naive” – Simple-minded, undiscerning, immature (Proverbs 1:22). – Not teachable; she hasn’t sat at Wisdom’s table (Proverbs 9:4-6). • “and knows nothing” – A willful ignorance; she rejects knowledge (Proverbs 1:29). – Her counsel is hollow; those who follow her are “simple” and “without sense” (Proverbs 9:16, ESV). Key Characteristics Summarized 1. Attention-seeking noise without truth. 2. Superficiality—surface show, no depth. 3. Ignorance parading as expertise. 4. Influence rooted in emotion, not wisdom. The Stark Contrast with Wisdom Wisdom (vv. 1–6) " Folly (vv. 13–18) – Builds a solid house " Makes a loud scene – Prepares nourishing food " Offers stolen, deadly fare – Sends servants to invite " Shouts at passers-by – Leads to life " Leads to “the depths of Sheol” (v. 18) Why the Description Matters • Hearing her volume warns us to check the content. • Recognizing her simplicity keeps us from mistaking confidence for competence (2 Peter 2:18). • Seeing her ignorance reminds us that real knowledge begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). Guardrails Against Folly Today – Stay in the Word daily; let truth train your ear. – Value quiet discernment over noisy opinion. – Seek counsel from proven, godly sources (Proverbs 15:22). – Measure every invitation by its destination: does it lead to life or death (Matthew 7:13-14)? Walking in Wisdom Choosing Wisdom’s feast means turning from Folly’s facade. Her loud, naive, empty allure is unmasked by Scripture; the wise, by grace, heed the warning and dine with the Lord who is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). |
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